Expert: Maria Mirek - 8/8/2008

Question
Hopefully I'm not asking something that was already asked.
My boyfriend was born in Kraków, Poland, and immigrated to Canada when he was about 10. He is now 22 and has been a Canadian citizen for many years. We want to travel to Poland to visit some of his family in the near future, but he has not yet completed his military service, which as I understand is mandatory.
I was wondering whether he could run in to any problems if he returns to Poland, and if so, if there are any measures he should take before going back.

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hello,

Thank you for your question. Issues regarding obligations of national service in Poland are very strict. This means that, this is very important that your boyfriend will react properly and not just ignore this obligation. There may be even criminal penalties impose on him for not taking proper actions. Under polish Act regarding military service, polish citizens who reside permanently outside of Poland may be excluded from the obligation to the national army. It is however, necessary to officially apply for this and prove the fact that permanent residency is outside of Poland. Your boyfriend, may apply in the Consulate of Poland. If your boyfriend was never officially drafted (received any correspondence from military), this means that since he left Poland when he was 10, he never had official residency in Poland and that he is not obligated to serve in the military.

Regards,

Maria Mirek