Taiwan revises exemption standards for military conscription

台灣修改免役標準

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense plans to amend regulations regarding exemptions from conscription based on physical factors.

On Friday, the ministry announced draft amendments to the “Physique Classification Standards of Military Service” and made the document available for public comment and discussion. Under the new guidelines, exemptions based on physical fitness will be limited to those who are severely obese with a BMI of 45 or higher, and those with a height of 144 cm or less, reported CNA.

In extreme cases, those suffering from hypertension or other organ diseases may be considered. However, exemptions will only be granted after extensive monitoring under medical supervision for one to three days.

The new regulations are a response to high rates of exemptions based on obesity and several cases of celebrities involved in draft-dodging scandals. Last year, Taiwan’s exemption rate for conscripts was 16%, with 30% of those exempted citing obesity.

Previously, those with a BMI of 35 could be exempted from service. For an adult male with a height of 170 cm, a weight of over 103 kg would exempt them from service. Under the new regulations, the threshold will be increased to 130 kg, per CNA.

Additionally, exemptions for “flat feet” have been scrapped and will no longer be considered. The Department of Conscription Administration believes that with current medical treatment and technology, physical limitations such as obesity and certain other conditions can be effectively overcome, allowing recruits to serve the mandatory one-year service period.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the new standards will better align recruitment policy with the needs of national defense.