German men aged 17 to 45 may have to obtain approval for extended stays abroad under changes tied to a new law that introduced voluntary military service.

The Military Service Modernization Act, which took effect on Jan 1, is intended to strengthen the armed forces in response to threats since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The new legislation had prompted street protests over the potential revival of male conscription, which had been suspended in 2011 for men.

However, one provision within the new law, which had gone unnoticed until now, concerns a rule requiring men aged 17 to 45 to "obtain an approval from the relevant Bundeswehr (German armed forces) Career Center if they wish to leave the Federal Republic of Germany for more than three months".

Previously, this requirement to obtain a permit for extended trips applied only in situations of "tension" or formal "defense" cases. But the law has been amended to apply universally, with an upper age limit of 45.

As reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper on Friday, the rule would apply regardless of whether a man "planned a semester of studying abroad, working in a foreign country or going on a backpacking trip around the world".

In a statement sent to the BBC, a German Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed that the regulation is meant to "ensure a reliable and meaningful military registration system", adding, "In the event of an emergency, we must know who may be staying abroad for an extended period."

The statement said exemption rules are being drafted "in part to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy".

A Bundeswehr spokesperson clarified to the DPA news agency that the military career center must grant the permit if "no specific military service is expected during the period in question".

"Since military service under current law is based exclusively on voluntary participation, such permissions must generally be granted," the official added.

Increasing active force

The Military Service Modernization Act envisions increasing the active force from about 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035. In December, Parliament approved voluntary military service, so from January all 18-year-olds receive a questionnaire about their interest in joining the armed forces.

Starting in July 2027, they must also take a fitness evaluation to determine eligibility for service if war breaks out.

Women may volunteer, but Germany's constitution prohibits conscripting them.

The plan is voluntary, but a form of conscription could be considered if security worsens or volunteer numbers are too low.

After Parliament approved the law, many young people protested the change.

The BBC quoted one protest organizer as saying in a social media post, "We don't want to spend half a year of our lives locked up in barracks, being trained in drill and obedience and learning to kill."

jonathan@mail.chinadailyuk.com