In Germany, men aged 17-45 must obtain special permission from the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) to leave the country for more than 3 months. This rule applies to study, work or long trips, and came into effect on January 1 this year.
Previously, this rule only applied in emergency or military situations, but now it has been introduced as part of the “modernization of military service”, the main goal of which is to form a military register that can be used in case of need. At the same time, work is underway to introduce some exceptions, but for now, obtaining permission remains mandatory. What punishment will be imposed on violators of the rule has not yet been announced.
This change is also connected with plans to expand the ranks of the army in Germany, which envisages a significant increase in the number of soldiers in the future.
