BERLIN, April 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A new German military service law will require most young men to inform authorities when leaving the country for long periods, with a newspaper report on the little-noticed provision prompting widespread debate. The defence ministry confirmed to AFP on Saturday that men from the age of 17 "are required to obtain prior approval" from the German armed forces for foreign stays lasting longer than three months. "The background and guiding principle of this regulation is to ensure a reliable and informative military service record in case of need," the spokesman added. The new service law, aiming to attract more young Germans to volunteer for military training, went into effect in January. But all 18-year-old men are now required to fill out a questionaire about their interest in military service and submit to medical checks if requested.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha April 05, 2026 13:51 UTC