$16,600 Buys Draft Exemption in Iran
- Share via
NICOSIA, Cyprus — Iran said Tuesday it will sell permanent military exemption cards to some draft dodgers at $16,600 each.
The money--about 30 years’ earnings at the minimum wage--will be kept as a deposit and returned to those who change their mind and complete the two-year term of service, officials said.
Officials quoted by the Iranian news agency IRNA said the offer covers only men of draft age who legally left the country before March 8, 1989. They can pay either dollars or the equivalent in Iranian rials.
Military service is compulsory for Iranian men over 18. Fear of conscription has kept thousands abroad from visiting home, especially during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
