New Law: Germany Changes Rules for Leaving the Country

A legislative change has come into effect in Germany, requiring men aged 17 to 45 to obtain special permission if they plan to stay outside the country for more than three months. This was reported by the German publications Berliner Zeitung and Frankfurter Rundschau.

The change is included in the law aimed at modernizing military service and has been in effect since January of this year. It has been noted that the permission must be granted by the Bundeswehr Career Center. The requirement applies to all individuals, regardless of their purpose, including students going abroad for exchange programs and employees traveling on business.

Previously, such restrictions could only be applied in situations of military threat, but they are now established on a permanent basis. At the same time, the law states that authorities cannot deny permission to leave the country.

The Bundeswehr has not clarified what consequences may arise if a person leaves the country without the appropriate permission.