Vietnam Ministry of National Defence clarifies military service postponement rules

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence has clarified the regulations regarding the postponement of military service for citizens facing extreme family hardships. According to the Ministry, under Article 41 of the Law on Military Service, citizens may be eligible for postponement if they are the sole breadwinner directly supporting relatives who are unable to work or are under the age of labor.

The clarification follows a citizen's inquiry regarding a family situation involving a disabled mother with chronic illnesses and a young child. The citizen had reported receiving incorrect guidance from local military command officials, who suggested waiting until after the medical examination and selection process to submit a request for postponement.

To ensure legal rights, the Ministry noted that eligible citizens should submit a dossier for review before the selection process. Required documentation includes an application for postponement due to family circumstances, certified by local authorities, along with medical documents proving the condition of the relatives in need of care.