Thousands of children in Georgia are dropping out of school as families move abroad, the Public Defender’s report shows.
Over the past six years, 22,737 students have left Georgian schools with their families. The highest numbers were recorded in 2022 and 2023. While the trend appears to have slowed in 2025, the number of children leaving remains nearly three times higher than in previous years.
In 2025 alone, 3,669 students dropped out of school due to emigration.
The report notes that emigration has become the leading reason for school dropout in recent years. Other reasons include starting work, early marriage, and enrolling in vocational education.
Related stories: Child and elderly poverty remains a major challenge, Public Defender says
Georgia’s ombudsman reports on unpunished police abuses and activist mistreatment
Prisons overcrowded, prisoners mistreated – Public Defender’s report
Public Defender reports on challenges in addressing violence against women













