Turkey has strengthened security controls at border entry and exit points, including at Istanbul Airport. The External Labor Migration Agency reported this and warned citizens of Uzbekistan about checks and restrictions.

It is noted that control measures have been tightened at Istanbul International Airport, mainly in relation to foreigners aged 20-35 years. Conversations are also conducted with persons whose behavior has aroused suspicion among migration service officers, and their mobile phones are checked.

Suspected of involvement in terrorism, human trafficking and other crimes, those attempting to transport prohibited goods are assessed as “passengers whose entry into Turkey is undesirable” and sent back to their home country.

In January-February, 163 citizens of Uzbekistan were not allowed into Turkey, of which 54 had previously committed offenses during their visits to Turkey and were deprived of the right to enter the country.

The agency received complaints from Uzbek citizens about rough treatment by police at Istanbul airport.

“All complaints and objections of citizens have been transferred to the Turkish side through diplomatic channels, negotiations are currently underway with authorized organizations. At the same time, we ask our citizens to respect local laws and fully comply with them, and citizens previously deported for breaking the law are advised to report to the Turkish diplomatic missions in Tashkent and Samarkand to find out if they have a ban on entry into Turkey,” the report reads.