There may very well be a list, but when did all this start? (particularly if they are just waiting for people to exit the country).

Last month when myself and my two sons departed through Pochentong, we went to the immigration desk together rather than one at a time. The immigration officer processed the kids' passports first then seemed to take a little longer checking mine. Then, out of nowhere, a more senior immigration officer with more stripes on his shoulders and more ribbons on his chest came and sat at the desk while the original officer stood up and stood behind the senior guy. I was thinking, 'Oh yeah, what's this all about?'.
The senior guy never said a word, but took some time on the computer before he eventually stood up and gave the other officer a nod of approval. My passport was handed back to me and we proceeded on through the gate.

What was that all about? Were they checking a list?