November 16, 2024
The Myanmar military government has announced that citizens residing abroad who refuse to return home to serve in the military will have their passport extensions blocked. Additionally, those who return to Myanmar will face imprisonment under military service laws, and their rights to travel abroad will be revoked.
According to reports from the military-backed media, the government is compiling a list of Myanmar nationals abroad, specifically those between the ages of 18 and 35, who are being called to serve in the military. This list includes workers, students, and others residing overseas for various reasons.
The military also stated that embassies in foreign countries will be responsible for managing the lists of citizens called to serve, and those who do not respond to the call will have their passport extension privileges revoked. Furthermore, any Myanmar national who returns after avoiding military service will be imprisoned in accordance with the country’s military service laws. After serving their prison sentence, they will also be banned from traveling abroad again, according to the military news sources.
One source cited in the report said, “The government has directed that those who fail to comply with tax obligations, do not remit money through official channels, or fail to return to serve in the military will have their passport extension privileges blocked and face legal consequences. According to the military service law, anyone who avoids military service will be arrested and imprisoned upon their return and will lose their right to travel abroad.”
It is understood that the number of Myanmar nationals abroad eligible for military service is quite large, and the government is currently compiling an accurate list. All males between the ages of 18 and 35, regardless of their residence, are expected to fulfill their military service duties according to the law. Additionally, a new directive will soon be issued to address the conscription of Myanmar nationals abroad.
Under the current military service law, any male between the ages of 18 and 35 is required to serve, while females must serve if they are between 18 and 27 years old. In cases where skilled individuals are required, the age limit for males is extended to 45, and for females, it is extended to 35 years old.
