New military registration rules for women, including those with medical or pharmaceutical degrees, will come into effect in Ukraine on June 1, 2025. These changes are related to the updating of legislation against the backdrop of ongoing mobilization and have practical consequences for both employment and travel abroad.
Who does this concern?
This applies to all women with a medical or pharmaceutical diploma, regardless of whether they work in their specialty. According to lawyer Anastasia Rudenko (JSC “Winner Partners”), such citizens are required to register with territorial recruitment centers (TCK).
What will be the violation?
Ignoring this obligation entails administrative liability:
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first violation - a fine from 850 to 1,700 UAH;
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repeated within a year - up to 2550 UAH.
In addition, failure to comply with the registration requirement makes it impossible to obtain official employment in the specialty. Employers are required to check whether the candidate has a military registration document. If such a document is not available, employment violates the law.
Impact on the possibility of traveling abroad
Women who are registered in the military but do not have the status of servicemen can freely travel outside Ukraine. However, those who have signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine have restrictions - permission from the command is required to travel.
It is worth noting separately that female doctors who work in healthcare institutions but have not registered may be included in the "Oberig" register. In such a case, border guards have grounds to temporarily refuse to cross the border until the violation is eliminated. Although in practice not all data from this register is thoroughly checked, the risks remain.
Context: new VLK rules
Recall that the procedure for passing the military medical commission (MMC) for conscripts, reservists, and those liable for military service also changed in 2025. The new regulations provide for specific validity periods for conclusions, mandatory medical examination after referral, and fines for evasion.
Result
Starting June 1, 2025, women with medical degrees will be required to register for military service. This is an important requirement that affects employment, the legality of employers' actions, and even the ability to leave the country. Avoiding registration carries the risk of fines and restrictions, so it is worth taking care of meeting the requirements in advance.
