One Central Asia Passport: Key to Optimising Logistics and Deepening Regional Cooperation

It can be argued that the borders between the states of Central Asia are among the most complex in the world, both in terms of their configuration and the circumstances surrounding their formation. The formation of these borders can be attributed to the policy of the communist authorities of the former USSR, which implemented the so-called national-state boundary of the Soviet republics of Turkestan, which was referred to as 'Central Asia' within the Soviet Union.

This transformation of the territorial state began in 1924-1925. This occurred after the formation of the Turkestan ASSR, which encompassed the majority of Turkestan. The final state formations of Central Asia, namely the Khiva Khanate and Bukhara Emirate, were "Sovietised," on this basis, the so-called Khorezm and Bukhara Soviet Republics were initially established.

As a consequence of the Sovietisation process, not only were the populations of the region divided by the newly established borders, but also individual families were separated. During the period of the USSR's existence, individuals were permitted to traverse its territory without the necessity of visas, except the border zones that the Soviet authorities had expanded.

The dissolution of the USSR resulted in significant challenges for the citizens of the newly independent states of Central Asia, including those from the historical region of Turkestan, in crossing borders. The government of Turkmenistan, which is situated along the shortest route to the Caspian Sea for at least three Central Asian countries (namely, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan), has implemented a particularly stringent visa policy. All foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to visiting or transiting through Turkmenistan. Exceptions are made for individuals residing in the border regions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

The Turkestan Visa-Free Union is the necessary analogue of the European Union for the Middle Corridor to work

The imposition of visa restrictions is already having an adverse impact on transit operations along the Middle Corridor through Turkmenistan. The necessity to apply for visas has resulted in delays and emergency situations, including the requirement for special permits, for truck drivers. In the spring of 2024, Turkmenistan citizens were unable to obtain the requisite visas to cross the Uzbek-Turkmen border. As a consequence of the refusal to issue visas, a queue of over 500 heavy trucks was observed at one point in time in the vicinity of the Farap road checkpoint on the border between the two countries. This was due to a temporary imbalance in the conditions faced by Turkmen and Uzbek carriers. Consequently, Uzbek drivers in Turkmenistan were required to pay an average of $700-$900, whereas Turkmen drivers in Uzbekistan were charged $200. Furthermore, the cost of obtaining insurance in Turkmenistan was considerably higher than in Uzbekistan, with premiums reaching $100 compared to $15 in the latter.

Despite the recent (April 2024) agreement between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to permit the transit of trucks through their territories without the necessity of special permits, drivers from one country still require visas from the other.

In contrast to the restrictive visa policies of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan has a more liberal approach towards visas for other states. However, it should be noted that visa regimes are in place for neighbouring countries, including Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Currently, Uzbekistan has a bilateral visa-free regime with Kyrgyzstan (up to 60 days), Tajikistan (up to 30 days), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

Nevertheless, the transportation of goods and individuals across Central Asian borders is not without its challenges, even in the absence of a formal visa regime. To illustrate, in February 2024, numerous trucks were stranded at the border between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan due to complications with the requisite permits. The rationale behind this was the increase in the cost of border crossing permits for trucks. Subsequently, the countries reached an agreement to permit transit without the requisite permits. However, the implementation of this new system was delayed, resulting in operational challenges that persisted for several weeks. Furthermore, it should be noted that lorry drivers travelling outside their country of residence are required to obtain a passport.

It is evident that the development of the Middle Corridor, of which Turkmenistan has become a pivotal component, has rendered passport and visa restrictions obsolete. It is therefore evident that the introduction of a visa-free regime between the countries of the Central Asian region (historical Turkestan) has become an urgent necessity.

The initiative to abolish visas and introduce a single passport for Central Asian countries originated with Uzbekistan, the most populous and centrally located country in the region. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forth a proposal for the mutual recognition of internal identification cards in Central Asia, thereby enabling individuals to travel without a foreign passport. In a statement made at the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia, the Uzbek leader articulated this position.

In order to facilitate the expansion of tourist exchange, it is proposed that the issue of the mutual recognition of national ID cards and the development of mass tourism products on the basis of the 'One tour – the whole region' principle be studied. - Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forth the suggestion. It is conceivable that in the future a single passport for Central Asian countries may be introduced. The successful experience of the European Union, where citizens of the Schengen zone countries are able to cross the borders between themselves without any restrictions, provides a model that could be repeated in historical Turkestan.

It is evident that the initiative proposed by the President of Uzbekistan has garnered significant support from the general public in Central Asia. According to citizens, it is long overdue for the introduction of unified documents to eliminate the inconvenience currently experienced by travellers when crossing national borders. The European Union has long since implemented such regulations, and it would be beneficial for Central Asian countries to consider adopting a similar approach.

The introduction of the Schengen zone in 1995 led to a significant reduction in the time and complexity involved in the movement of citizens between the countries of the European Union. The abolition of passport controls at the internal borders of member states was a key factor in this process. The creation of a single passport or the use of internal ID cards for Central Asian countries could be a similar step that would facilitate the strengthening of economic ties and the development of logistics in the region.

It is also noteworthy that a single passport for member countries of the Caribbean Community has been finalised and has been in place for several years. The passport permits nationals of CARICOM member countries to travel freely within the region, thereby fostering enhanced business ties and tourism. The Caribbean Community has introduced a single passport for its members, thereby facilitating greater freedom of movement for citizens of member countries within the region. This initiative has also facilitated improvements in business and tourism conditions. The implementation of a comparable passport in Central Asia has the potential to yield analogous benefits, particularly in relation to the functioning of the Middle Corridor.

In certain regions of the world, such as Eastern Europe and South-East Asia, the imposition of visa restrictions has resulted in a notable deceleration of economic growth, including the logistics processes that underpin it. The relaxation or abolition of visa regimes has resulted in an increase in the transit of goods, the number of tourists, and the number of business contacts. A comparable outcome may be attained in Central Asia through the implementation of a unified passport system. The concept of a single passport is currently under consideration in a number of regions, including Southeast Asia, although the precise plans and timelines vary. The issue of introducing a single passport is periodically raised in ASEAN countries (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which includes Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and others. Nevertheless, it remains at the conceptual stage, with discussions ongoing. The principal objective is to facilitate the movement of individuals between member countries and to enhance economic integration.

Elbrus Mamedov,
Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Strategic Partnership Information Support Centre

SR-CENTER.INFO