Hi Tutivlahos
It turns out to be quite difficult to find out up to date information
on this in English, unfortunately Greek is not one of my skills.
This area also appears to have undergone many changes of varying
degree in the last few years, with further changes predicted over the
next few. Additionally there are many reports of inconsistency in the
interpretation and application of the laws.
However, for an overview of the subject I recommend you look at this
Wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Greece
there is some further advice here:
http://www.greeklawyersonline.net/html/guide_military-service.html
most Greek embassy or consular sites, if they have anything, point to
the Greek Minisry of Defense
http://www.mod.gr
or The Draft Administration of the Hellenic National Defense General
Staff http://www.stratologia.gr
The Ministry site has some information, but not much for foreign
residents, pointing to http://www.stratologia.gr for more
information. The English page here appears to be a straight
translation of the Greek equivalent:
http://www.mod.mil.gr/Pages/MainAnalysisPage3.asp?HyperLinkID=3&MainLinkID=49&SubLinkID=0
As far as http://www.stratologia.gr goes, unfortunately the foreign
language links for English and German are broken:
BASIC MILITARY SERVICE INFORMATION FOR THE HELLENES ABROAD
http://www.stratologia.gr/????????/?????????????%20???????????%20???%20???????.htm
ELEMENTARE WEHRDIENSTLICHE INFORMATIONEN FÜR DIE GRIECHEN DES AUSLANDES
http://www.stratologia.gr/????????/?????????????%20???????????%20??A%20?????????.doc
However I was able to find what i believe is a copy of the English
version at the Greek Embassy in Australia. This includes information
for permanent foreign residents (?monimos katoikos exoterikou?)
including definition and requirements
http://www.greekembassy.org.au/articles/consulate/documents/basic_information.pdf
According to:
http://www.athensguide.com/dorian/greek-military-service-us-nationals.htm
"Permanent Residents of Abroad (MONIMOI KATIKOI EXOTERIKOU): Persons
who were born or established residence abroad before January 1st of
the year of their 10th birthday. Permanent residents of abroad may
remain in Greece, without incurring any military obligations for a
cumulative period of SIX MONTHS within the same calendar year, only if
they are registered as ?permanent residents of abroad? (monimos
katoikos exoterikou) with the appropriate recruiting office, and are
in possession of a certificate confirming their status (pistopoiitiko
monimou katoikou exoterikou) issued by the Greek consulate having
jurisdiction over their foreign residence. The above certificate is
valid for six months from the date of issuance."
also
"WARNING: A stay in Greece longer than allowed for military-exempt
status will result in military obligations and inability to leave
Greece until these obligations are satisfied.
Special arrangements for persons classified as DRAFT EVADERS Detailed
information concerning settlement of military obligations for draft
evaders can be obtained from the nearest Greek Diplomatic or Consular
authority or the appropriate recruiting authority in Greece.
As of 7/04 the Greek law for military obligations provides that draft
evaders may travel and stay in Greece for a maximum of thirty days (in
total or partially) within the same calendar year."
The situation is further complicated by differential treatment for age
and family situation - for example those over 35 can opt to 'buy out'
the remainder of their service after serving 45 days.
Further, permanent residents abroad can apply for deferral of service
and incremental service in installments.
The short answer seems to be if you want to live in Greece, provided
you meet the requirements for permanent foreign resident, you will be
eligible for a maximum of 6 months military service, with possible
further allowances for deferral, discounts and incremental service.
If you can read Greek I suggest looking at the draft site for further
clarification:
http://www.stratologia.gr |
