Turkmenistan Government Monitoring Former Law Enforcers and Imposing Travel Restrictions

Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Justice has launched an initiative to collect data on former Interior Ministry officials to track those who have left the country. This move is the latest in a series of efforts by the government to monitor and restrict its citizens’ ability to travel abroad. Tracking Former Law Enforcement Officers Since February 2025, the Ministry of Justice has been compiling information on former law enforcement officers who held ranks of major or higher and served between 1991 and 2024. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Migration Service, and the Prosecutor’s Office have been instructed to assist in the campaign, which is expected to conclude by the end of April. The main objective is to identify retired officers who have relocated abroad. Several theories have emerged regarding the authorities' motives. One explanation is that routine inspections revealed cases of former officers settling in other countries after retirement. Another theory links the initiative to the recent controversy surrounding Rustam Inoyatov, the former head of Uzbekistan’s National Security Service, who, along with his family, acquired Vanuatu citizenship through a “golden passport” program. Turkmen security services suspect that similar schemes may have been used by their own former colleagues. Particular scrutiny is being placed on those who had professional ties with Inoyatov during his tenure. Law enforcement veterans are now required to submit reports detailing their current residence and occupation. In cases where an ex-officer has passed away, their relatives must provide official documentation, including death certificates and burial site information. New Restrictions on Travel Abroad Retired law enforcement officers have been informed that they may only leave the country for medical reasons and must obtain official authorization from the Ministry of Health. This is not the first instance of the government tightening travel restrictions. In September 2024, reports surfaced that public sector employees were being compelled to surrender their biometric passports or provide proof that they did not possess one.  While officials have not commented on these measures, observers believe they are linked to the increasing number of citizens emigrating in search of work or permanent residency. Additionally, recent reports indicate that some Turkmen nationals have participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine, with some receiving Russian citizenship in return for their military service. Confiscation of Student Passports Travel restrictions have also been extended to students. In the fall of 2024, media reports revealed that students enrolling in Turkmen universities were required to surrender their passports to prevent them from traveling abroad.  Students who refuse to comply and sign a receipt acknowledging the surrender of their passports face the risk of being denied admission. According to sources, this policy has been in place for two years, with passports held by faculty deans for the duration of students’ studies. Although officials have not provided explanations for these measures, university professors suggest that they aim to curb mass youth migration. Previously, students were only required to sign receipts, but authorities have now escalated their efforts by confiscating passports...