Mandatory military service
Mandatory military service is one of the important issues for Turkish citizens and dual citizens. Sara’s son is one of them and she is worried about his status as a 'deserter.'
Mandatory military service is one of the important issues for Turkish citizens and dual citizens. Sara’s son is one of them.
Dear Mr. Orhan,
I have seen that you are able to offer advice regarding military service in Turkey. I am writing on behalf of my son, 37, who is considered to be a Turkish citizen and therefore subject to military service because his father is Turkish. Despite not having been born in Turkey, never having lived in the country and not speaking the language, he has apparently been labeled a deserter and is subject to arrest should he decide to visit Turkey.
We only found this out by accident and are most concerned that, through no fault of his own, he is now deemed a criminal and unable to visit relatives in Turkey. Is it correct that he is now regarded as a deserter? What can you advise? Thank you for any guidance you can give. Kind regards. Sara
Dear Sara, military service in Turkey is mandatory for all male citizens (including dual citizens) between 20-41 years of age (with some exceptions such as handicapped, mentally ill or unhealthy people). The duration of basic military service varies: 15 months for privates (elementary or high school graduates), 12 months for reserve officers (university graduates) and six months for short-term privates (those who have earned a university degree and have not been enlisted as reserve officers).
For Turkish citizens (including dual citizens) who have lived or worked abroad for at least three years, a basic military training of three weeks is offered instead of the full-term military service if they pay a certain fee in foreign currency (currently set at 5,112 euros).
As I emphasized above, as a Turkish citizen, your son must also comply with the mandatory military service in Turkey. However, if he has completed military service in certain other countries, he can substitute that for his military service in Turkey. These countries are Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Greece, Tunisia and Syria.
If he has not completed his military service in another country, the most appropriate option is the basic military training. He pays 5,112 euros and completes the mandatory three weeks of military service. Otherwise, he is considered a “deserter” and he will be taken to do his military service when he comes to Turkey.
[HH] Can we get Universal Health Insurance?
This week’s other question is from Jeannette.
Dear Sir,
My husband and I have been living in Turkey for a year. We have a two-year visa and will renew it next year. I am 64 and my husband is 65. So, can we join the state health service? What is the total payment for both of us?
Dear Jeannette, you can apply for Universal Health Insurance (the state health service system). The total payment (for husband and wife) is 182 Turkish Liras until Jan. 1, 2011.
Hurriyet Daily News/08.10.2010
Mandatory military service is one of the important issues for Turkish citizens and dual citizens. Sara’s son is one of them.
Dear Mr. Orhan,
I have seen that you are able to offer advice regarding military service in Turkey. I am writing on behalf of my son, 37, who is considered to be a Turkish citizen and therefore subject to military service because his father is Turkish. Despite not having been born in Turkey, never having lived in the country and not speaking the language, he has apparently been labeled a deserter and is subject to arrest should he decide to visit Turkey.
We only found this out by accident and are most concerned that, through no fault of his own, he is now deemed a criminal and unable to visit relatives in Turkey. Is it correct that he is now regarded as a deserter? What can you advise? Thank you for any guidance you can give. Kind regards. Sara
Dear Sara, military service in Turkey is mandatory for all male citizens (including dual citizens) between 20-41 years of age (with some exceptions such as handicapped, mentally ill or unhealthy people). The duration of basic military service varies: 15 months for privates (elementary or high school graduates), 12 months for reserve officers (university graduates) and six months for short-term privates (those who have earned a university degree and have not been enlisted as reserve officers).
For Turkish citizens (including dual citizens) who have lived or worked abroad for at least three years, a basic military training of three weeks is offered instead of the full-term military service if they pay a certain fee in foreign currency (currently set at 5,112 euros).
As I emphasized above, as a Turkish citizen, your son must also comply with the mandatory military service in Turkey. However, if he has completed military service in certain other countries, he can substitute that for his military service in Turkey. These countries are Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Greece, Tunisia and Syria.
If he has not completed his military service in another country, the most appropriate option is the basic military training. He pays 5,112 euros and completes the mandatory three weeks of military service. Otherwise, he is considered a “deserter” and he will be taken to do his military service when he comes to Turkey.
[HH] Can we get Universal Health Insurance?
This week’s other question is from Jeannette.
Dear Sir,
My husband and I have been living in Turkey for a year. We have a two-year visa and will renew it next year. I am 64 and my husband is 65. So, can we join the state health service? What is the total payment for both of us?
Dear Jeannette, you can apply for Universal Health Insurance (the state health service system). The total payment (for husband and wife) is 182 Turkish Liras until Jan. 1, 2011.
Hurriyet Daily News/08.10.2010
