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Uzbekistan to end exit-visa system by 2019

AFP

TASHKENT -- Uzbekistani President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed legislation that from 2019 will allow citizens of the ex-Soviet country to travel abroad freely for the first time, state media reported Wednesday (August 16).

The website of the Central Asian country's state broadcaster reported that a legal amendment scrapping the unpopular system of Soviet-style exit visas will go into effect January 1, 2019.

Currently Uzbek citizens have to apply for exit visas from the authorities to leave the country, unless they are going to neighbouring ex-Soviet countries.

The authorities sometimes refuse such permission, and applicants can face long delays without explanation.

The move will be seen as more evidence of a thaw under Mirziyoyev who took charge last year following the death of Islam Karimov.

Mirziyoyev previously served as prime minister under Karimov for 13 years.

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