Passports as a Tool of Repression: How Turkmenistan Restricts Freedom of Movement

Passports as a Tool of Repression: How Turkmenistan Restricts Freedom of Movement Article by the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” For several years, the authorities of Turkmenistan have systematically refused to renew or issue international passports to their citizens living abroad whose documents have expired or are about to expire. As a result, thousands of migrant workers, students, and families are trapped in legal limbo. Without valid passports, they cannot comply with immigration laws in their countries of residence, access basic services, work legally, or maintain lawful status. Turkmen diplomatic missions abroad regularly inform applicants that passport renewal is only possible inside Turkmenistan, effectively forcing people to return to the country. For many citizens, this return carries serious risks. Numerous individuals fear that once back in Turkmenistan, they may be arbitrarily banned from leaving again — and these fears are well-founded. For years, Turkmen authorities have imposed arbitrary travel bans, removing citizens from flights, stopping them at border checkpoints, and placing them on secret “no-exit” lists without explanation or legal remedy. In recent months, cases have already been documented where individuals returned to renew their passports and were subsequently prohibited from leaving the country. Violations of National Law Importantly, these practices even contradict Turkmenistan’s own legislation. Under Article 29 of Turkmenistan’s Migration Law, diplomatic and consular missions are required to issue and renew passports for citizens abroad. In practice, this legal obligation is systematically ignored, turning passport services into a mechanism of pressure and coercion. At the same time, Article 30 of the Migration Law contains provisions that enable arbitrary restrictions on citizens’ right to leave the country. This article is widely used to justify mass travel bans, directly contradicting international human rights standards and resulting in family separation and long-term hardship. Violations of International Obligations These actions constitute serious violations of Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Turkmenistan is a party. Every person has the right to: — move freely — leave any country, including their own — return to their country — obtain documents necessary to exercise these rights Arbitrarily denying passports to citizens abroad is a direct interference with freedom of movement and a form of transnational repression. The authorities use identity documents as instruments of control, punishment, and intimidation — particularly against critics, activists, and their families. Our Call The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” calls on the authorities to: ? immediately end the refusal to issue and renew passports abroad ? fully implement Article 29 of the Migration Law ? abolish arbitrary travel bans ? bring Article 30 into compliance with international law ? ensure written notification and judicial review for any restriction Freedom of movement is not a privilege — it is a fundamental human right. Passports must never be used as tools of repression.