Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov has introduced new rules for entering Turkmenistan and stay there to start March 1. Consular Sections abroad will send applications for entry visas to a commission that will check the applications and decide whether or not a visa should be granted. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov will head the commission, which is also to include the deputy foreign, national security, defense and interior ministers, the Federal Border Guard Service head and parliament and presidential administration members. Foreigners will have to fill out migration forms at border crossings. There are three types of forms, namely a usual form, a simplified form and one for transit. One copy is submitted during entry to Turkmenistan and the other is handed in before departure. Upon obtaining a visa, foreigners will pay a $10 registration fee and obtain a document that allows them to stay in Turkmenistan. The document must be returned before departure. Moreover, new rules were imposed on Turkmen citizens traveling abroad. Except for the holders of diplomatic and service passports, travelers will have to apply for exit visas. Temporary restrictions might be imposed on some citizens\' freedom of travel. The restrictions \"are linked to state secrets, criminal cases, convictions, lawsuits, the military draft and report of incorrect personal data,\" the law reads. In early February, Niyazov announced that unrestricted exits from Turkmenistan allowed criminals to escape responsibility for their actions by leaving for other countries. (Interfax)