In several authoritarian nations, citizens encounter significant obstacles when trying to leave their countries. For instance, in Eritrea, citizens face a strict travel ban, with the government imposing severe penalties on those who do not fulfill their national service obligations. Measures include ongoing roundups to capture evaders, and border security personnel can resort to lethal force against those attempting to flee. Noncompliance can lead to financial penalties, imprisonment, or enduring repercussions extending to families, including property seizures.
Similarly, in North Korea, it is illegal for citizens to travel abroad without government consent. Those who violate this law face harsh punishments, including torture and imprisonment. Individuals allowed to travel are closely monitored and must undergo ideological debriefings upon their return.
Turkmenistan also imposes travel restrictions, particularly for young men and individuals involved in legal disputes. A law prevents citizens’ departure if it threatens national security, affecting around 20,000 people due to political reasons.
While Iran and Cuba once had stringent exit policies, these have been eased in recent years, contrasting sharply with the practices in Eritrea, North Korea, and Turkmenistan.