The Military Service (Amendment) Law Proposal has been published in the Official Gazette, introducing changes to paid military service fees. It aims to reduce financial burdens by lowering fees and shortening service periods. Additionally, the proposal seeks to exempt TRNC citizens from mandatory military service in Turkey. These reforms are designed to modernize the system, making it more accessible and equitable. The changes reflect efforts to address public concerns and streamline military obligations. The proposal is now open for public review and parliamentary discussion.
1. What’s in the Proposal?
The Military Service (Amendment) Law Proposal, submitted by Eroğlu CANALTAY (Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic, UBP Famagusta Deputy), was published in the Official Gazette on January 29. The proposal focuses on changes to military service obligations and paid military service fees for citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who also hold Turkish citizenship.
2. Key Changes
- Paid Military Service Fees: The proposal aims to address the financial burden of paid military service, which is currently calculated based on the minimum wage. Rising living costs and inflation have made these fees increasingly difficult for young people to afford.
- Exemptions for TRNC Citizens: The proposal seeks to exempt TRNC citizens from mandatory military service in Turkey, recognizing their unique dual citizenship status.
The bill aims to make it easier for people to pay the fees for paid military service, especially since the minimum wage has increased.
For TRNC citizens who qualify for paid military service (after completing a doctorate or university abroad and working for four years), the new rules allow them to fulfill their service by:
- Paying five times the monthly gross minimum wage in Turkish Lira, or
- Paying 4,000 pounds for a 1-month service.
Additionally, the bill proposes changes to Article 17 (1) of the Basic Law. Under the new rules, TRNC citizens living outside Turkeycan:
- Pay 3,000 pounds to be exempt from service, or
- Pay 1,500 pounds to serve for 1 month.
Currently, these individuals are required to pay 4 to 7 times the minimum wage, which is significantly higher.
