Egypt's Minister of Defence Sedky Sobhi ratified on Thursday a decision by an Egyptian Armed Forces committee to settle the military service status of men from the southern Halayeb, Shalateen, Abu Ramad and Wadi Al-Allaqi areas who passed the age of 30 without performing mandatory military service, the army announced in a statement.

The committee, which worked from 24 to 28 December, examined various outstanding conscription cases, and issued final certificates of exemption for military service for these men, as part of the efforts by the Armed Forces to assist citizens of these border areas.

All Egyptian males aged 18 to 30 must perform mandatory military service barring certain exceptions.

A certificate of exemption from or completion of military service is needed for all adult males to obtain jobs or travel abroad.