Turkmenistan ranks 4th in the world in proven natural gas reserves. Total reserves exceed 50 trillion cubic meters, accounting for around 9.8% of global resources. The Galkynysh field alone is one of the largest in the world. The country is a major gas exporter, including being the largest supplier of pipeline gas to China. According to estimates, current reserves could last for more than 190 years. At first glance, such wealth should ensure high living standards, stable employment, and economic opportunities. But the reality is very different. According to Radio Azatlyk, citizens of Turkmenistan are increasingly trying to leave the country to work in neighboring states such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Previously, Turkey and Russia were the main destinations, but visa restrictions and geopolitical changes have forced people to look elsewhere. 👉 Source: https://www.azattyqasia.org/a/bezrabotitsa-vynuzhdaet-turkmenistantsy-pytayutsya-vyehat-na-zarabotki-v-sosednie-strany-ne-vsem-udayotsya/33717918.html� Hundreds of people line up outside embassies. These are not tourists — these are people trying to survive. It is important to emphasize: Turkmen citizens are not leaving because they “seek a better life abroad,” but because it is impossible to maintain a decent standard of living inside the country. The reasons are clear: lack of employment opportunities extremely low wages delayed or unpaid salaries harsh working conditions Even qualified professionals often cannot find stable jobs. And those who do work frequently earn wages that do not meet basic living needs. According to sources, real incomes can be as low as around $70 per month (based on the black market exchange rate), despite higher official figures. Meanwhile, abroad, Turkmen workers accept jobs paying around $700 or less, which is considered low by local standards. But for them, it is a matter of survival. However, even leaving the country has become a challenge. Despite having valid visas, people may: be denied exit without explanation be turned back at the border face arbitrary restrictions There are also reports of bribes being demanded to allow crossing. At the Kazakhstan border, hundreds attempt to leave daily, yet many are refused. Migrants report that the main obstacles exist on the Turkmen side. International organizations have repeatedly raised concerns. Freedom House notes that Turkmen authorities restrict freedom of movement in order to prevent mass emigration. Human Rights Watch reports that the government continues to arbitrarily interfere with citizens’ right to leave the country, including by refusing to issue or renew passports through consulates abroad. Additional barriers include: requirements to provide a “guarantor” of return obligations to refrain from “anti-government activities” abroad deliberate delays in issuing documents As a result, freedom of movement becomes not a right, but a privilege. This leads to a fundamental question: How can a country: with some of the largest gas reserves in the world with a relatively small population generating billions in resource exports fail to provide its citizens with: jobs fair wages basic economic stability? In a functioning system, people would travel to Turkmenistan for work. In reality, the opposite is happening: people are being forced to leave Turkmenistan to survive. This is no longer just an economic issue. It is a sign of a systemic failure, where natural resources do not translate into public welfare, and state policies fail to ensure even basic living conditions. As long as the country continues to face: lack of employment low incomes restrictions on fundamental freedoms labor migration will remain not a choice, but a necessity.
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