10 Million Dram May Decrease: Changes Proposed to Military Service Law

Changes are being proposed to the draft legislation that legalizes exemption from military service for a fee. During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defense and Security, the draft's author, MP Hayk Sargsyan of the ruling Civil Contract party, stated that the fee of 10 million drams set for serving for one month instead of two years would be revised.

The proposed amendments are expected to encourage many citizens to return to the country, replenish the Armenian Armed Forces with repatriated citizens, and bring additional financial resources into the state budget.

“We have discussed this in the government, and the opinion has been approved to reduce the 10 million dram fee for one month of service to 8 million drams. We plan to decrease it by 2 million drams, allowing for a greater number of beneficiaries and causing less inconvenience to potential beneficiaries. Thus, we will give them the opportunity to return home; otherwise, they will continue to remain in hiding, returning to the country only after the expiration of the statute of limitations,” Sargsyan elaborated.

He also proposed another technical change, raising the age limit to 45 so that the draft can also benefit those citizens who have avoided mandatory military service from the officer corps. The parliamentarian added that this is also a suggestion from law enforcement agencies.

A change is also proposed for individuals who have recently acquired Armenian citizenship. “I suggest changing the age range set for these individuals from 27-37 to 18-45 years. This would allow Armenian citizens to serve for one year in the Armed Forces of Armenia or pay 2.5 million drams. Under the current regulations, no male citizens become Armenian citizens until they reach 27, except in cases where they have served in other countries and are not legally obligated to serve in Armenia,” said the MP.

Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan informed that they are in favor of reducing the 10 million dram fee but opposed the change concerning those citizens who have avoided mandatory military service as officers. He stated that this amendment could “frighten” many potential returnees. The Deputy Minister also suggested that the law be written in such a way that misinterpretations would not arise.

As a result, the committee decided to refine the bill before its second reading. It is worth noting that the initiative allows citizens aged 27-37 to choose from the following options: 1. serve in military service for 24 months, 2. serve for 12 months and pay 2.5 million drams, 3. serve for 6 months and pay 5 million drams, 4. serve for 1 month and pay 10 million drams, or 5. pay 15 million drams instead of military service.