Baku, Sept. 23, 2025
Azerbaijan has extended its special quarantine regime until January 1, 2026, a decision that has sparked debate among citizens and on social media.
Many are frustrated that land borders remain closed since 2020, joking that the measure “might as well be permanent” and pointing out that “only Azerbaijan still has quarantine rules in place.”
Authorities insist the extension is based on security considerations, but public discontent continues.
MP Elman Nasirov, speaking to Globalinfo.az, stressed that the measure is not indefinite:
“The extension of the quarantine regime is a decision taken in line with security interests. Recent regional events – including the 12-day confrontation between Iran and Israel and its aftermath – showed why keeping land borders closed was the right step.
The same logic applies today. Who can guarantee that conflict will not reignite? Who can say with certainty that new political or military shocks will not occur in our region?”
Nasirov emphasized that the move is primarily about protecting citizens:
“The government takes measured, well – grounded decisions, and the focus is always on the welfare and security of the people. As President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly underlined, ensuring public safety and social well-being is one of the state’s top priorities. That is why the borders remain closed and the quarantine regime extended.”
The special quarantine regime was first introduced nationwide on March 24, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since been repeatedly prolonged, with land borders closed for nearly six years.
