Georgia has introduced an amnesty for couples who entered into fictitious marriages, giving them until October 1, 2026, to divorce without facing criminal charges.

“We have established a specific grace period in the legislation: until October 1, 2026, couples in fictitious marriages will not face criminal liability if they divorce,” Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze said, according to Sputnik Georgia.

Darakhvelidze said that demand for residence permits based on marriage has fallen by 90-95% since legislation criminalizing fictitious marriages came into force.

Under Georgia’s new rules, entering into a fictitious marriage can result in up to two years in prison, deportation and a ban on re-entry lasting between two and 10 years.