The Civil Defence has called up women born in 2004 and men born in 1972 and 1973 for two years of mandatory service. Training is set to begin in February 2027.
The service applies to Cypriot citizens living on the island and includes regular training, exercises and duties regarding emergency preparedness and response, Civil Defence told en.philenews.
It said the respective age groups were selected based on their circumstances. The men called up have completed their National Guard reserve obligations and the women called up are the age at which they would typically have finished their studies.
What the service involves
Both groups are required to complete two years of service. After registration and enrolment, those required will attend training sessions, participate in exercises and undertake duties according to their assigned department, Civil Defence said.
The first year will consist of 13 to 15 training lessons expected to take place once a week, lasting up to 90 minutes, starting in February 2027.
Depending on assignment, those called up may be involved in helping with evacuations, assisting people affected by emergencies, providing first aid after obtaining the necessary qualifications and helping with emergency communications.
Accommodations
The Civil Defence will not offer an allowance or reimbursement of expenses, it said.
Training sessions are scheduled outside of normal working hours to minimise disruption. Winter sessions should take place between 6.30pm and 8pm, and summer sessions between 7.30pm and 9pm.
Employers are required to allow any employee called up for service to leave work to attend their Civil Defence duties without any deduction from their salary.
The department said insurance coverage will follow the same arrangements that apply to Civil Defence staff and volunteers.
Registration
Those called up must bring their national identity card and complete form PA 4, the Personal Details Declaration, which was provided with the notification letter, when reporting for registration.
Citizens who have not received the letter, or who need help with the registration process, should contact their local Civil Defence Regional Directorate, the department said.
Relevant forms, including registration, deferment and exemption, are available on the Civil Defence web page.
The department said failure to receive a letter does not remove the obligation to register and citizens covered by the call-up are legally required to report for duty, even if their notification was not received due to outdated address details.
Anyone who was unable to attend during the designated registration period should contact their local Civil Defence Regional Directorate as soon as possible, the department said.
It added that anyone outside the country is required to report for registration immediately upon their return, under Regulation 13(5), or within 20 days upon their arrival under Regulation 14(5).
Those who are expected to leave the country again shortly after returning may apply for deferment under Regulation 12 when they report.
Failure to register
Civil defence said missing the registration deadline does not erase the obligation to serve. It added that under Section 9 of the Civil Defence Law, failure to comply with relevant regulations constitutes an offence, where a penalty can be imposed by a court following conviction.
University students
University students studying both abroad and in Cyprus are eligible for temporary deferment under Regulation 12(1)(b), the department said.
The application must be submitted using form PA 8 (Application for Deferment of Service) to the relevant Civil Defence Regional Directorate along with official proof of university enrolment.
Deferment will be granted for an approved period, as long as the circumstances backing it continue to apply.
Exemption
Civil Defence said that exemptions may be requested on different grounds along with supporting documentation regarding the circumstances of the application.
Applications based on an applicant’s official position or service status may require confirmation from the relevant authority.
Anyone requesting exemption on a medical basis will be advised by their local Civil Defence Regional Directorate about what medical documentation will be required and the assessment procedure.
The relevant application forms are as follows:
PA 9: Application for exemption on medical grounds.
PA 10: Application for exemption on personal grounds.
PA 11: Declaration for individuals falling within the categories specified under Regulation 11(3)(a) to (e).
Exemption applications must be submitted to the local Civil Defence Regional Directorate, which will forward them for assessment and decision under the applicable procedure.
An enforceable administrative decision rejecting an exemption request may be challenged before a court under Article 146 of the Constitution, depending on the applicable legal requirements, Civil Defence said.
Further information
Those seeking further clarification about registration, enrolment, deferment and exemption can contact their local Civil Defence Regional Directorate, the department said.
It advised that those covered by the latest call-up should familiarise themselves with the registration requirements and ensure they complete the necessary procedures, regardless of whether they have received an individual notification letter.
