Exit Visas

Exit visas were reintroduced. One has to apply through the government for permission to leave. Those on the top of the list are criminals (in the eyes of the government), drug user/dealers, except of course the higher officials involved in the drug trade. They will also stop anyone with questionable dedication to the regime. This has been developing for a long time. People pass through passport control without problem but are taken off the actual plan after everyone is seated. I guess it’s easier to find them when they’re in their seats--if Turkmen ever sat in their assigned seats in the first place. . .
It was said that this decision helps cut down on the 50% of those who fly out of Turkmenistan and don’t return. Those who fly to Eastern Europe and Turkey specifically. I just hope the UN steps in on this one.