In the wake of Semere Kesete�s escape and the bombing of PFDJ-owned properties including the PFDJ office in Asmara, the Eritrean government�s security forces have stationed Rangers and military guards at all ministry offices, banks and PFDJ-owned companies.   According to a directive from the President�s Office, the government has, until further notice, declared void all exit visas, going to the extent of returning people from Asmara Airport even after they had secured the necessary documentation from various ministries. The returnees include students with scholarships at foreign universities.  Only high-ranking government officials and Eritreans who are not considered a flight risk are exempted.  (The �cultural troupe� is one such exception, averaging only one defection per tour.) 

Meanwhile, 31 Eritreans (22 men and 9 women) have been arrested allegedly because they facilitated the forging of documents to slip their spouses out of the country.  As reported previously, the government has recalled all government seals and has closed all administrative offices pending the approval of new seals and stamps.