New Military Service Exemption Scheme Approved: Key Details and Eligibility
Iran’s parliamentary budget integration commission has approved a new measure allowing long-term military service absconders to regularize their status through a financial compensation scheme. The policy, part of the national budget bill for the current Iranian year, aims to address a longstanding administrative challenge while generating state revenue.
Policy Objectives and Framework
The newly ratified measure specifically targets conscription evaders with over five years of absence from mandatory military service. According to the commission’s decision, married individuals and those above 35 years of age will receive priority consideration. The scheme is designed to support families and create opportunities for older individuals or those with physical limitations preventing standard service fulfillment.
Officials emphasize that this initiative will help resolve the legal status of absent conscripts while reducing associated social and occupational difficulties. The policy also represents a potential revenue stream for the government through the established fee structure.
Financial Structure and Discounts
The exemption cost varies significantly based on educational attainment, ranging from 250 million tomans for associate degree holders or below to 600 million tomans for medical doctors, non-medical PhD holders, and medical specialists.
To ensure broader accessibility, the scheme incorporates several discount provisions:
- 20% reduction per child (up to 60% maximum discount)
- 50% discount for conscripts registered with the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee or State Welfare Organization
- Special priority for married individuals and those over 35
Implementation Process
Following final approval in open parliamentary session and confirmation by the Guardian Council, implementation procedures will be developed by the Armed Forces General Staff and Conscription Organization. The process will be administered through local police offices (+10), where eligible individuals must submit identification documents, educational certificates, and absence-related paperwork.
Applicants will receive official notification of their financial obligation via SMS and must pay one-third of the amount upfront. The remaining balance may be paid through 36-month installments, making the scheme accessible to those unable to make single payments.
The policy also applies to Iranian citizens residing abroad for more than five years past their conscription date, who may apply through Iranian embassies or consulates.
Context and Considerations
This marks the reinstatement of a similar measure previously available in 2018, which was subsequently paused due to social equity concerns. The current revival reflects ongoing efforts to balance youth support with social justice considerations while addressing practical administrative challenges within the conscription system.
The measure continues through the legislative process, with final implementation pending full parliamentary and Guardian Council approval.
