IMMIGRATION DEPT FURTHER RESTRICTS PASSPORTS AND

UNCLAS ASMARA 000427 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E, CA/OCS/ACS/AF LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CACS PGOV ER SUBJECT: IMMIGRATION DEPT FURTHER RESTRICTS PASSPORTS AND EXIT VISAS ¶1. (SBU) The Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) suspended without explanation most exit visa and passport services to Eritrean citizens on August 11. Embassy contacts believe the GSE was responding to increased corruption, noting many individuals otherwise unqualified for passports or exit visas under Eritrea's restrictive immigration laws were "legally" leaving the country. Only cases receiving unquestioned approval, such as for 54 year old men, 47 year old women, and persons excused from national service are allowed to apply. Cases involving the judgment of an adjudicating official are not accepted. No date has been announced for resuming passport and exit visa services for Eritrean nationals. ¶2. (SBU) There are no reports indicating the closure applies to holders of foreign passports, including dual nationals. Conoff has received no reports of increased restrictions on Amcits leaving Eritrea. TABLER-STONE