Mobilization and IT: Who is eligible for a deferment and can game developers get a reservation?

Contents:

• Which specialties are eligible for a deferment from mobilization
• Employees of which IT companies can receive a deferment
• Who can receive a deferment
• How to correctly fill out an application for a deferment from mobilization
• How to find out about a deferment from mobilization
• What to do if a summons was received by an IT specialist who meets the criteria for a deferment

On September 21, 2022, a decree on partial mobilization was introduced in Russia. On September 23, the Russian Ministry of Defense, together with the Ministry of Digital Development, announced that IT workers, including game developers, would receive a deferment from conscription. Since September 27, a service for collecting information about employees of accredited IT companies who are eligible for exemption from mobilization has been launched on the government services portal. This measure is aimed at supporting key IT specialists and maintaining stability in the country's high-tech sector.

The editorial team of "Gamedev" Skillbox Media has prepared a complete guide for IT specialists and developers working at accredited IT companies on how to obtain a deferment from mobilization. This material contains all the necessary steps and recommendations to help you navigate the process of obtaining a deferment. Learn what documents are required, what conditions must be met, and what rights employees have in this situation. This material will be useful for anyone who wants to protect their professional interests and avoid mobilization.

Which specialties are eligible for a deferment from mobilization?

On September 26, the Ministry of Digital Development presented a list of 195 priority specialties and areas of training in higher education recommended for a deferment from mobilization. This list pays special attention to IT specialties, which play a key role in the country's digital transformation and ensure the development of technology. It is important to note that the deferment allows information technology specialists to continue to develop their skills and contribute to the economy, which is especially important in a rapidly changing world.

• fundamental computer science and information technology;
• mathematical support and administration of information systems;
• mathematics and computer science;
• information systems and technology;
• computer science and computer engineering;
• information security.

The order of the Ministry of Digital Development contains two tables. The first table includes a list of specialties with current codes. The second table displays the codes of these specialties, previously approved by the state.

An IT specialist should start by opening a higher education diploma and finding the specialty code in it. After that, it is necessary to refer to the second table from the relevant order to determine the current name of the specialty and its current code. This information will be necessary for correctly completing the deferment application. Correctly completing the application will increase your chances of successfully obtaining a deferment, so it's important to pay attention to each step of the process.

Employees of which IT companies are eligible for a deferment

On October 10, the Ministry of Digital Development issued an order "On the list of activities in the field of information technology." This document establishes a list of activities that must meet the requirements for accreditation of IT companies. English: Companies that meet the specified criteria can apply for inclusion in the register of accredited IT companies, which opens up new opportunities for development and receiving state support.

The order includes 36 types of activities in the field of information technology, including:

• design,
• modification and integration of software and databases,
• production of radio-electronic and telecommunications equipment,
• development of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence,
• game development, including "activities for the sale of in-game items of computer games and video games, including activities for the creation of virtual worlds and space",
• 2D and 3D animation, as well as the creation of electronic simulators.

Game developers working in accredited companies have the opportunity to receive a deferment from partial mobilization. This allows them to continue their activities in the field of game design and development, which is especially important for maintaining innovation and competitiveness in the industry. The possibility of a deferment ensures team stability and facilitates the further development of projects of significant economic and cultural significance.

Who is eligible for a deferment

To qualify for a deferment from partial mobilization, an IT specialist must meet four key criteria. First, they must have a relevant education or qualification in information technology. Second, an important condition is an employment contract with an IT services company. The third criterion is work in a field critical to national security or the functioning of the economy. Finally, the specialist must be registered as an IT worker with the relevant government agencies. Compliance with these conditions will allow IT specialists to receive a deferment from mobilization, which emphasizes the importance of their role in the current environment.

• the employee works for an IT company from the register of accredited companies or for a telecommunications company with a communications license;
• an employment contract has been concluded between the employee and the employer;
• the employee has a higher education in a specialty from the list of the Ministry of Digital Development;
• the employee performs critical functions in the company.

An employee performing key functions in the company is confirmed by the employer, who signs the application. If at least one of the conditions is not met, the employee will not be able to receive a deferment based on their work in the IT field. This emphasizes the importance of meeting the established requirements for receiving a deferment.

The category of IT specialists includes not only programmers and system administrators, but also game developers and cybersecurity experts. At a recent online conference with IT industry participants, Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev emphasized the importance of these professions in the modern digital world. Game developers make a significant contribution to the entertainment industry, creating unique virtual worlds and innovative gaming solutions. Cybersecurity specialists, in turn, ensure the protection of data and systems from threats, which is becoming critical in the face of the growing number of cyberattacks. These areas of the IT industry continue to develop, opening up new opportunities for specialists and improving the security and quality of digital technologies.

Game development and cybersecurity are important aspects of the IT industry. Everything related to information technology requires support and development. The integration of game development and cybersecurity contributes to the creation of more secure and innovative solutions in the digital space. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to supporting all areas of IT, including game development and data protection.

How to correctly complete an application for a deferment from mobilization

Since September 27, a new service for submitting an application for a deferment from mobilization for employees of companies in the information technology and communications sector has been launched on the public services website. To successfully submit an application, it is important to follow the established procedure.

Before submitting an application, the employee must complete the confirmation form provided by the employer. It is important that the file remains in .csv format, as changing it is not allowed. Also, do not add or delete rows in the table. Full recommendations on correctly filling out the confirmation form can be found in the official instructions on the public services website.

The completed confirmation form must be submitted for signature to the CEO or other sole executive body of the company. The document must be signed using a qualified electronic signature. After completing the signature procedure, the CEO will receive a file with the detached electronic signature in .sig format, which should be given to the applicant. This will ensure the legitimacy and legal force of the document going forward.

After receiving the file from management, the employee will be able to complete an application on the government services portal. The application must include personal information, military registration information, as well as education and work history. The .sig file received from the CEO and the signed document should be attached to the application. Ensuring that all fields are filled out correctly will help expedite the application processing and increase its chances of approval.

On September 28, the Ministry of Digital Development published information on the most common mistakes made by applicants. A step-by-step video guide on how to complete the application was also provided. This will help avoid common pitfalls and improve the application process.

How to find out about a deferment from mobilization

After submitting an application, it will be sent to the Ministry of Digital Development for review. If an IT specialist meets all the requirements for a deferment from partial mobilization, they will be included in the lists transmitted daily to the General Staff. Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev noted that military commissariats have already begun receiving lists of employees of telecommunications and IT companies eligible for a deferment from partial mobilization. This will ensure support for the information technology and telecommunications sector in the country, as well as retain qualified personnel in these important areas.

If an IT specialist is included in the deferment list, he will receive a notification through the State Services portal. However, there will be no confirmation of a deferment from the Ministry of Defense. If the specialist is indeed entitled to a deferment, he simply won't receive a draft notice.

What to do if an IT specialist who meets the criteria for a deferment receives a summons

If an employee is on the list for a deferment from partial mobilization, but has received a summons, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media advises preparing the following documents for the military registration and enlistment office:

• employment contract (notarized copy or original);
• diploma of higher education;
• an extract from the current state accreditation of the employer company in the IT sphere, certified by the CEO or a person authorized by him;
• a certificate from the place of work, signed by the CEO or a person authorized by him, stating that the employee is involved in the development, advancement, implementation, maintenance and operation of IT solutions or in ensuring the functioning of the information infrastructure.

The department has also prepared a memo for Employers should consult a document outlining the steps to take if an employee receives a summons. In this situation, the employer should:

• Make sure the employee has submitted an application through Gosuslugi. If the application has not yet been submitted, it must be submitted. Applications are forwarded to the General Staff the next business day after receipt, but it takes time for the lists of people granted a deferment to be delivered to the specific military registration and enlistment office. You should also confirm the application number—it can be found immediately after submission in your Gosuslugi personal account.
• Email the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media at help@digital.gov.ru, attaching a photo of the summons. The subject line should be formatted as follows: "Employee's Last Name—Company Name—Gosuslugi Application Number." The letter must include the employee's full name, the application number for Gosuslugi, the company name, the military registration and enlistment office and its address, and the employee's actual location.
• If an IT company employee is already in a military unit and has not submitted an application for Gosuslugi, the Ministry of Digital Development recommends emailing help@digital.gov.ru, attaching a photo of the summons, a complete set of documents for a deferment signed with the qualified electronic signature of the CEO, and a confirmation form from the employer. The subject of the email should be written in the following format: "Employee's last name - Company name - Military unit number."

If the above steps do not bring results, please contact the Ministry of Digital Development by email at sos@digital.gov.ru for further assistance.