Azerbaijan has implemented significant legislative changes to strengthen the enforcement of military service obligations and prevent evasion of conscription. According to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 27, 2024, amendments have been made to several key legal frameworks, including the Criminal Code, the Migration Code, the Code of Administrative Offenses, and the laws on "Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization" and "Military Duty and Military Service." Under the revised Criminal Code, "evasion of conscription" is now explicitly defined as the failure of citizens to report for medical examination, initial military service, military gatherings, or mobilization without a valid excuse.
The State Service for Mobilization and Conscription informed the Operative Information Center-OMM that the new regulations also include restrictions on international travel. Amendments to the Migration Code stipulate that citizens evading conscription for active military service or mobilization may have their right to leave the country temporarily restricted until a formal decision regarding their draft status is reached. These updates were further solidified in a January 23, 2026, decision by the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which clarified judicial practices regarding the desertion and evasion of military service under Article 321.1 of the Criminal Code.
The legal framework now specifies that failing to report to local departments of the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription before the end of a call-up period, or missing medical certifications and training sessions without justification, constitutes a criminal offense. Furthermore, actions such as changing one's place of residence for more than three months without updating military registration, or failing to notify authorities of a change in address to avoid receiving a summons, are also punishable under Article 321. Officials emphasized that these measures are designed to bolster national security and ensure the timely, high-quality recruitment of the Armed Forces.
In Azerbaijan, military service is a constitutional duty for all male citizens aged 18 to 35 who are fit for service. The country maintains a robust defense posture, particularly following the restoration of its territorial integrity in the Garabagh region. These legislative refinements reflect the government's ongoing efforts to modernize the military infrastructure and maintain a high state of combat readiness. Citizens are encouraged to monitor their military obligations through the "mygov" digital platform and ensure all personal registration data is current to avoid legal repercussions.
