Armenia tightens rules for military service deferment

Armenia has significantly revised its policy on granting deferments from military service for health reasons. The government has decided to classify draftees with certain health conditions, which previously qualified them for a one-year deferment, as fit for service with restrictions.

This change was announced following a government session on December 19, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan explained that the current system, which allows a one-year deferment, has frequently been exploited as a loophole to avoid service. Papikyan stated that many conscripts, after receiving a deferment, fail to seek treatment for conditions that can be addressed medically and instead continue to prolong their deferment year after year.

Under the new policy, if a conscript does not undergo the available treatment or surgery within the year, the Ministry of Defence will provide the necessary medical intervention at its own expense and subsequently call the individual up for service with restrictions.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, commenting on the development, noted that the transformation of the army had been approved at the last Security Council meeting. He emphasized the need to change the public's perception of military service, pointing out a paradox: while there is general support for the army, a majority of young men of conscription age do not serve, citing various health-related issues.

By Vafa Guliyeva