Defence Ministry demands exit permits for those under 26

UNDER-26 Cypriot male citizens will have to present either their military release papers or an exit permit at ports and airports if they wish to leave the country.

The measure will be in force from June 1 2008 onwards and will apply to those who have not yet turned 26.

“We have returned to the old system,” Defence Ministry Spokesman Yiannis Patsalides told the Mail.

This means an abandonment of the current exit leave rules which hold that release papers or exit permits have to be presented by those who are under 21 only.

According to Phileleftheros sources, Defence Minister Costas Papacostas took it upon himself to push for the measure.

It is reported that the reason behind the measure is a slight increase in the numbers of those who dodge the draft and/or are absent without leave.

These cases are estimated to reach no more than ten per year.

The wording of the new measure can prove to be confusing because it does not mention release papers, only exit leaves.

“Males under 26 do not have to present both their release papers and an exit permit,” Patsalides clarified.

“It is either one or the other.”

By increasing the age limit and forcing more males to show release papers or exit permits, the Defence Ministry hopes to discover the handful of people who refuse to conscript.

Those affected by the new measure and who require further information can contact their local conscription offices.

n The measure can be found in Greek on the Defence Ministry’s website http://www.mod.gov.cy/

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