The Economic Policy Committee took note of the 2025 report of the Chief Labour Inspector of the LEPL Labour Inspection Service.

Information on the Service’s activities was presented by the Head of the Labour Inspection Service, Beka Peradze.

According to him, the Service is designated as the enforcing authority under several laws, and its responsibilities are carried out by 190 employees working across six departments.

The presenter reviewed the activities conducted during the reporting period. He noted that in 2025, within the framework of supervision over compliance with labour rights and occupational safety standards, the Labour Inspection Service conducted 7,111 inspections, including first-time inspections of 3,709 facilities.

“As a result of supervision of occupational safety standards, inspections covered up to 42,000 employees and nearly 25,000 instructions were issued. In total, approximately 25,000 administrative offence reports were drawn up. Despite the increased number of inspections, the use of fines as an administrative sanction has significantly decreased by 38%”, - Beka Peradze stated.

The Head of the Labour Inspection Service also discussed workplace accident statistics, noting that the number of fatal workplace accidents decreased by 46% in 2025. He explained that, compared to previous years, violations and irregularities related to labour relations have significantly declined across the country.

Beka Peradze also briefed committee members on the results of oversight conducted under the Law of Georgia on Labour Migration.

According to him, 224 inspections were carried out in 2025, including first-time inspections of 188 facilities. As a result of identified violations, 62 administrative offence reports were issued. Regarding oversight of anti-discrimination provisions in labour relations, the Service conducted 233 inspections and carried out unplanned inspections at 132 facilities and workplaces.

The Economic Policy Committee positively assessed the Labour Inspection Service’s 2025 report. Committee Chair Shota Berekashvili stated that the Service’s effective work has contributed significantly to the reduction of fatal incidents in workplaces.

During the sitting, committee members also reviewed draft laws on the Railway Code and on State Property.

According to the presenter, Deputy Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Tamar Ioseliani, the purpose of the amendments is to ensure that railway infrastructure remains under state control and ownership.

Under the proposed changes, the disposal of main railway tracks and their protective zones that are either state-owned or included in the capital of enterprises with state participation will be prohibited. However, it will remain permissible to transfer such assets into the capital of enterprises in which the state holds more than a 50% ownership stake.

The Committee Chair noted that the legislative initiative is fully consistent with European best practices and international standards.

The Committee supported the draft laws, submitted under an expedited procedure, at I reading.