Further tightening restrictions on the movement of Eritrean citizens, the government has issued new directives concerning exit visas. According the these guidelines, which are in force effective March, the minimum age for Eritrean men to apply for an exit visa is 50 years. This is the second change in policy since January 2003 when the minimum age was raised from 40 to 45.

The only exception to these regulations is when an application is supported by a minister or other government official of the same rank and approved by the Office of the President.