The freedom to leave and return to one’s country is a right. There are countries that do not allow citizens to leave at all. Methods used by governments to restrict freedom of movement include: withholding and/or delaying the issuing of passports, “exit control” lists to prevent emigration, the requirement of an exit visa or special permits to leave the country, revocation of citizenship, and obstacles to the extension of passport’s validity. In addition, there are countries where even if one is allowed to leave, the duration of one’s stay abroad is restricted, and citizens can lose their property and other assets if they leave for a very long time. Some citizens have to get permission to leave. Others, when they leave, are not allowed to return or the government makes return very difficult. Also, some governments place restrictions on certain groups of people such as opposition political leaders, ethnic minorities, religious leaders, women, human rights activists or monitors, and journalists. Rights to emigration and repatriation without prejudice are also included in freedom of foreign movement and travel.
Scoring Scheme:
Foreign movement and travel is:
(0) Severely Restricted
(1) Somewhat Restricted
(2) Unrestricted
Type of variable: Categorical
Downloaded by QoG on: 2023-08-29 Last updated by source: 2023-08-27