85 Individuals Paid 15 Million Drams and Were Exempted from Service, Says Haik Sargsyan

87 individuals utilized the option to pay 17 million drams to be exempted from military service and did not serve. Approximately 38, as of August 1, completed one month of service and paid 8 million drams. We also have 9 young men who served for 2 years without paying any fees. This was stated by Haik Sargsyan, a Member of Parliament from the "Civil Contract" faction, during a meeting of the National Assembly’s committee on defense and security.

“We have compatriot young men who have avoided serving; now, having turned 27, they claim to have health issues incompatible with military service. With the adoption of the previous law, we had added an important clause: individuals aged 27-37, who become citizens of Armenia, are obliged to serve for one year or pay 2.5 million drams. In 2021, I drafted a bill that exempted all sons and brothers of fallen soldiers from compulsory military service. At that time, our respected colleagues from the "Armenia" faction claimed that this would reduce the number of conscripts. I took it upon myself to say that I would compensate for this number through new citizens of Armenia,” he noted.

Speaking about citizens who do not serve, Sargsyan elaborated, “We have many Armenians who were born and raised in different countries around the world and do not become citizens of Armenia, even though they move to and live in the Republic of Armenia after birth. Until the law was adopted, they would become citizens of Armenia upon reaching 27, in order to avoid two years of service. This created inequality because those born in Armenia served for two years. We introduced this provision so that they must either serve for one year or pay 2.5 million drams.”

Regarding the unregistered individuals, Sargsyan stated that following the adoption of the law, all those who are unregistered and present themselves for registration after turning 27 will be required to pay 15 million drams.