The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” draws attention to alarming reports published by Radio Azatlyk regarding the increasing staff shortage in state institutions, particularly in education and healthcare sectors. According to the source, the primary reason for the crisis is the mass departure of qualified specialists abroad. Teachers, doctors, and other public sector employees are resigning and seeking employment in foreign countries because their salaries in Turkmenistan do not cover even basic living expenses. As a result, many institutions are left understaffed, workloads increase for those who remain, and the quality and accessibility of essential public services decline. Amid this growing crisis, authorities have begun calling retirees back to work. Former employees and pensioners are being encouraged to return to their previous positions in order to temporarily address the personnel shortage. However, this measure does not resolve the root causes of the problem. The Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” emphasizes that: Recalling retirees is only a temporary solution and does not address systemic issues. The ongoing staff shortage directly affects citizens’ rights, including access to education, healthcare, and other essential public services. Without meaningful salary increases and improved working conditions, the outflow of professionals will continue. We call on the authorities of Turkmenistan to: Publicly acknowledge the existence of the staffing crisis. Ensure fair and adequate wages in the public sector. Address the structural causes of labor migration. Create working conditions that allow professionals to remain in the country without being forced to seek livelihoods abroad. Source: Radio Azatlyk (Turkmenistan), February 10, 2026.
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