Date of publication:

08/21/2025

Tajikistan

Do domestic laws and policies provide access to travel documents and entry/exit visas for family members of forcibly displaced and stateless persons for the purpose of family reunification? 

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Assessment by population
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The issue of family reunification for refugees in Tajikistan is not explicitly regulated by national legislation. However, Article No. 10 of the Constitution prioritizes international legal acts ratified by Tajikistan, meaning international documents may guide decisions in such matters. Family members seeking to join refugees in Tajikistan may encounter difficulties obtaining visas, especially from countries with strict visa requirements. The process involves complex procedures, and proof of refugee status and family connection is often needed.  Another issue in this matter is the absence of official travel documents for refugees issued by the authorized state bodies of Tajikistan. Currently, such documents have not been developed in the country, forcing refugees to use passports from their country of origin for travel. When leaving Tajikistan, they must also obtain exit visas.  An additional challenge arises when their national passports expire, as refugees are unable to renew them or obtain new ones. As a result, they find themselves in an even more difficult situation.

So, Tajikistan's commitments to international frameworks like UNHCR guidelines can influence policies around family reunification. However, there is no clear domestic policy outlining family reunification for all refugee cases. In practice, the process can be bureaucratic and challenging, with many relying on humanitarian organizations and the UNHCR for assistance.  

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan
    • Year: 1994
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
    • Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/node/32040

    Legal provision

    Article 10 - Authority of the Constitution

    The Constitution of Tajikistan holds legal authority, and its provisions are directly applicable. Laws and other legal acts that contradict the Constitution have no legal force. The state, all its bodies, officials, citizens, and their associations are required to comply with and implement the Constitution and the laws of the Republic. International legal acts recognized by Tajikistan are an integral part of the legal system of the republic. In case of discrepancies between the laws of the republic and recognized international legal acts, the norms of international legal acts shall apply. Laws and internationally recognized legal acts of Tajikistan enter into force after their official publication.