China has slightly eased travel restrictions on Uyghurs but continues to impose strict conditions on those seeking to travel abroad or visit family in Xinjiang, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released on Monday. Despite this minor thaw, HRW stresses that Beijing maintains “severe restrictions” on Uyghurs’ freedom to travel internationally.
The Chinese government has faced accusations of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in the Xinjiang region, with allegations ranging from forced labor to political indoctrination. The United Nations has stated that these actions may amount to “crimes against humanity.” However, China strongly denies these allegations, defending its policies as measures to combat extremism and promote economic development.
According to the HRW report, China had previously confiscated passports and restricted travel for Uyghurs with overseas connections. However, officials have recently started returning some passports and permitting limited international travel applications. Despite these changes, HRW emphasizes that the restrictions still serve as tools of oppression.
HRW researcher Yalkun Uluyol pointed out that while some Uyghurs have been allowed to briefly reunite with family members abroad, the controls on travel remain stringent. Uyghurs who wish to travel must disclose the purpose of their trips, promise to return by a certain date, and pledge not to criticize the Chinese government during their time abroad.
Furthermore, Uyghurs are rarely allowed to travel with their family members and often face interrogation upon their return. Those visiting China on foreign passports experience long delays in obtaining visas and face questioning by authorities. In some cases, they are even prohibited from staying overnight with relatives.
The HRW report is based on interviews with 23 Uyghurs living abroad and Chinese government documents. It highlights the continued control China exerts over Uyghurs both domestically and abroad. Despite China’s claims that the Xinjiang camps were voluntary training centers, HRW maintains that they are rife with abuse, forced labor, and political indoctrination.
China’s policies in Xinjiang remain under intense scrutiny. The U.S. government has labeled the treatment of Uyghurs as “genocide,” while the U.N. has condemned the ongoing “problematic” practices in the region.
