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Egyptians in UAE can skip mandatory military service

Egyptian youth staying or working in the UAE, who fail to appear for the mandatory military service in their home country, can approach the Embassy of Egypt in Abu Dhabi from November 16 to 20 to amend their position and pay the set fine.

According to a top diplomat here, a special military committee will visit Abu Dhabi during the same period to settle the position of all eligible Egyptian residents and workers in the UAE to avoid being listed at the airport when returning home.

Recently, Egypt’s military bodies concerned requested the exact number of Egyptian youth who fail to appear for the mandatory military service in Egypt as they are staying abroad.

Col Mahmud Saad, Military Attaché of Egypt in Abu Dhabi, said the youth to be listed need not worry about returning home as their military service position shall be amended to avoid any possible punitive measures. “The Egyptian Armed Forces are very keen to ease Egyptians’ relevant suffering abroad.”

Col Saad urged the young Egyptians in the country to contact the military office of Egypt in Abu Dhabi. “This will help the military committee from Egypt to know about the accurate numbers of eligible young people, and finalise the procedures required.”

“Eligible young people may approach the military attaché in person or on the phone at: 024473205.”

“All those above 30 years in age are eligible to apply. Instead of travelling to Egypt, they can appear before the military judicial commission in the Egyptian embassy, pay the set fine of Dh2,163 and amend their military position and be released,” Col Saad told Khaleej Times.

The situation of Egyptians under the age of 30 would be examined as well. They may be released or granted suspension, as the commission shall examine the military position of the youth entitled for family release, suspension or exclusion from military service. “Those who have not yet obtained their national ID cards shall be granted temporary military certificate until the final one is issued after the verification process. Youth born in 1993 and above shall be issued ‘Below Age’ letters so that they can renew their passports and legally stay abroad,” Col Saad said, noting that the military judicial commission shall provide the same services in Bahrain, Kuwait, Amman and Riyadh.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com