The Russian Federation’s Ministry of Digital Development is shaping proposals to bolster the information technology sector, including adjustments to the postponement of military enlistment. This was disclosed by the ministry’s head, Maksut Shadayev, according to TASS.
The ministry is preparing amendments to the corresponding decree in light of a rising age threshold for military service. Shadayev emphasized that the decree supporting the IT field contains a provision exempting individuals from compulsory service up to 27 years old.
President Vladimir Putin signed legislation that raises the conscription age from 18 to 30. The new rule takes effect on January 1, 2024.
On August 8, IT professionals were given a one-day window to file for a deferment from conscription. The Ministry of Digital Transformation is expected to submit the relevant lists to the Ministry of National Defense by August 31. Between October 1 and December 31, draft boards will determine postponement decisions.
Historically, the policy builds on a framework designed to sustain the IT workforce by retaining skilled workers during critical years of professional development, with ongoing adjustments reflecting evolving defense and economic considerations. These changes illustrate how policy makers attempt to balance national security requirements with sectoral growth and innovation [Source: TASS].
In practical terms, the deferment mechanism for IT professionals aims to reduce disruptions to ongoing projects and to ensure that technical talent remains available to enterprises and public institutions alike. Analysts note that the reform signals a broader strategy to support digital modernization while maintaining readiness within the armed forces. The interplay between defense policy and the competitiveness of technology-driven industries remains a focal point for government planners and industry leaders [Source: TASS].
Observers highlight that the revised age threshold could affect the labor market structure within the IT sector, potentially extending career trajectories and shaping hiring timelines for startups and established firms. The government’s approach combines fiscal and administrative measures, including clear timelines for deferment evaluation and emphasized collaboration among ministries to ensure transparent implementation and accountability [Source: TASS].
As the law unfolds, IT professionals and employers alike monitor implementation details, such as documentation requirements, the cadence of deferment approvals, and how regional draft boards interpret the new criteria. The ongoing dialogue between industry stakeholders and government agencies underscores the importance of aligning national security priorities with the growth of digital industries across Russia and beyond [Source: TASS].
Putin’s signature on the reform reflects a broader aim to harmonize demographic policy with post-pandemic recovery strategies and the accelerating demand for skilled technology workers. The shift signals a recognition that the IT sector has become a strategic asset, prompting policymakers to craft pragmatic, business-friendly rules that still honor defense obligations and national security imperatives [Source: TASS].
For IT professionals navigating these changes, staying informed about official guidance and upcoming deadlines remains essential. The coordinated process across the ministries involved suggests that stakeholders should anticipate further updates as the implementation date approaches and as regional defense offices adjust to the new framework [Source: TASS].