President Isaias Afwerki's visit to Italy, which has been described by the government media as a "working visit" and a follow-up to last year's meeting with Milan's local government, did not disclose that the president's entourage includes his family.

The Eritrean government does not grant exit visas to military-conscription aged citizens, including Eritreans who have fulfilled their obligatory national service.

At least one of President Isaias children, who is traveling with him, is of military-conscription age.