Introduction

In the year 2023, while the world embarks on interplanetary travel, citizens holding Azerbaijani passports find themselves trapped by the limitations imposed on their mobility. The Azerbaijani government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have exhibited a disappointing lack of progress in diplomatic efforts, resulting in a situation where citizens feel akin to unwilling participants in the Truman Show. Over the past 30 years of independence, Azerbaijan has failed to establish visa-free travel agreements with a significant number of countries, emphasizing a self-serving agenda that disregards the welfare of its own people.

Severely Restricted Travel Options

The scope of visa-free travel for Azerbaijani citizens remains distressingly limited. Despite the country's rich cultural heritage and contributions to various fields, the number of countries that can be visited without a visa does not exceed 30. Regrettably, these predominantly consist of ex-Soviet nations, a few politically volatile African countries, and remote island nations with limited global awareness. The lack of diplomatic outreach and initiatives to establish mutual agreements has left Azerbaijanis with few accessible destinations for hassle-free travel.

Azerbaijan passport ranking 

Neglect of Azerbaijani Citizens Abroad

Azerbaijan's embassies, consulates, and representative offices abroad have frequently shown a disconcerting lack of interest in addressing the issues faced by their citizens residing in foreign lands. Many countries do not have official diplomatic representations in Azerbaijan, leaving Azerbaijanis in these countries without adequate support. This lack of reciprocal representation undermines the potential for fruitful cooperation and mutual understanding between nations.

Burdened Visa Application Process

The process of obtaining a visa for an ordinary Azerbaijani citizen is needlessly complex and arduous. It surpasses the challenges faced in securing admission to renowned educational institutions such as MIT, Oxford, or Harvard. The convoluted visa application procedures not only discourage travel but also create significant hurdles for utilizing other countries as transit points. This situation impedes the opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism, and economic cooperation.

Misplaced Priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Rather than prioritizing the welfare of the ten million people living within the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appears more focused on monitoring Azerbaijani activists and the Armenian diaspora abroad. This misdirected attention fails to address the needs and concerns of its own citizens, overshadowing their rights and aspirations. The Ministry's visibility is primarily limited to interactions with countries like Armenia, Iran, and Turkey, often revolving around corruption allegations rather than constructive diplomatic endeavours.

Lacklustre Pandemic Response

The incompetence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was glaringly evident during the pandemic. While borders closed in 2020 to combat the spread of the virus, the Ministry failed to promptly and effectively address the evolving situation. As a result, Azerbaijan's borders have remained closed even after the pandemic has subsided, leading to further limitations on mobility and personal freedoms.

The Urgency for Action

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with those responsible for diplomatic relations, must urgently address the long-standing issues impeding Azerbaijani citizens' freedom of travel and mobility. Concrete steps should be taken to expand diplomatic relations with a wider range of countries, simplify the visa application process, and establish reciprocal embassies, consulates, and representative offices. By doing so, Azerbaijan can enhance its international standing and ensure the well-being and aspirations of its citizens are met.