The Parliament of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia has voted for a bill increasing the fine for illegal crossing of the border.

The bill was introduced by Dmitri Shamba, representative of President Raul Khajimba.

‘The current legislation violates the principle of proportionality. It turns out that it’s easier and cheaper for a person to cross the border illegally rather than obtain a visa’, Shamba said.

Currently the fine amounts to ₽600 ($10). The price of a visa is ₽700 ($12).

According to the new legislation, this sum will soon be increased to between ₽6,000 and ₽7,200 ($100–120). For officials, the fine will be even higher, between ₽7,200 and ₽9,000 ($120–150).

The new law also says that any ‘object directly or indirectly used for border violation’ can be confiscated

Shamba also said that the bill allows for the arrest of offenders where they do not pay the fine within the time frame specified by the legislation.