Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service held a briefing on 30 September 2026 for the diplomatic corps on plans to modernize its operations and bring them in line with national and international law.
Heads of Turkmen diplomatic missions abroad, along with heads and representatives of foreign missions accredited in Turkmenistan, attended. Officials outlined recent changes to the migration system, including e-visas and online registration of foreign citizens, and reported on international cooperation in the field.
The agency’s work covers visa and biometric passport processing, registration of foreign nationals, citizenship matters, and efforts to eliminate statelessness. Officials said the number of foreigners entering the country and of Turkmen citizens traveling abroad is rising.
Presenters said Turkmenistan introduced biometric passports meeting international standards in 2008, the first country in the region to do so. Electronic visa processing is now being rolled out as part of the digitalization drive.
Officials also said the service is training its staff, adopting international practices, and introducing new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Participants credited President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for creating conditions for the agency’s work.
The briefing was held under the state’s official 2026 designation, “Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Determined Winged Steeds.” /// nCa, 1 October 2026