Belarus Expands Access to Rental Housing for Military Personnel and Retirees
A decree signed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko increases the ways military personnel can receive housing, with a focus on rental housing arrangements tied to years of service. The government agency BelTA relayed a summary from the president’s press service about the new rules that became official through the presidential decree.
The core provision allows service members to obtain rental housing free of charge after twenty five years of continuous service. This policy marks a milestone in the housing support framework for personnel who have dedicated long careers to national defense and related security services. The decree clarifies that the right to obtain free rental housing after a long tenure stands regardless of other benefits or prior housing arrangements.
Additionally, the decree creates an option for soldiers who have completed twenty calendar years of service. These individuals can access rental housing through a repayment plan, making installments for up to fifteen years. This provides a more flexible path to housing for those who may be earlier in their careers or who prefer to finance their housing purchase gradually while serving or after retirement.
Beyond new buyers, the decree also preserves existing rights for military personnel and retirees who have completed twenty years of service but do not wish to take on ownership of the rental housing in their possession. In such cases, the right to own and use the property remains, and lease terms can be extended if living conditions require more time to improve. This approach aims to balance housing security with personal choice and changing circumstances on the ground.
The decree also extends protections to the families of personnel who die in the line of duty. Family members of those who perish while performing their military duties will be provided with free rental housing, independent of the service length or any other criteria. In addition, this entitlement preserves the right to own and use rental housing for the families of soldiers who die for reasons other than service during the period of service. This ensures ongoing housing stability for surviving relatives during a difficult transition.
The policy covers a broad range of security and state agencies. It applies to military personnel serving the Ministry of Defense and those in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the State Security Committee, the State Border Committee, the Presidential Security Service, and the Operational Analytical Center that reports to the president. It also includes the State Control Committee, the central offices of the Investigative Committee, and the State Forensic Expert Committee. This wide scope signals a unified framework for housing support across key institutions involved in national protection and public safety.
While the decree clearly outlines the housing benefits, it also reflects ongoing efforts by the government to provide stable living conditions for veterans and current service members. The measure aligns with broader social policy initiatives that prioritize long term security for families of public service personnel. Observers note that such housing programs may influence recruitment, retention, and morale within security and defense institutions.
It is worth noting that prior to signing the decree, Lukashenko announced the creation of a commission focused on the return of political immigrants. This additional step sits alongside the housing policy as part of a broader set of reforms and governance actions being pursued by the administration. The commission’s work is described as a separate administrative process intended to address questions related to immigration and associated policies.
In summary, the changes authorize free transfer of rental housing after lengthy service, offer a flexible repayment option after two decades of service, and maintain the right to own housing for those who choose not to purchase. They also extend housing protections to families of fallen soldiers and cover a wide network of defense and security agencies. The decree represents a major shift in how the state supports the housing needs of its military and security personnel, with the aim of enhancing stability for service members and their loved ones. (BelTA)