Only six scenarios allow the government to assign jobs after discharge; those opting for self-employment must register within 30 days

5. Only six scenarios allow the government to assign jobs after discharge; those opting for self-employment must register within 30 days

Cost: No cost involved. Simply bring your discharge certificate and visit the local Civil Affairs Bureau for veterans.

In plain terms: The notion that “the military guarantees job placement” no longer applies broadly. Currently, only six specific scenarios qualify for government job assignments. Most conscripts who serve two years do not fall into these categories. Those not eligible for government placement are considered self-employed, and they must register within 30 days of discharge. Failing to do so without valid reasons means they forfeit any entitlement to government assistance.

Benefit: Article 25 of the Regulations on Placement of Veterans specifies six circumstances under which local governments must assign jobs. These include: (1) non-commissioned officers with at least 12 years of service; (2) personnel awarded medals or honorary titles during service; (3) those receiving third-class combat merits or higher; (4) individuals receiving first-class commendations; (5) those disabled at levels 5–8 due to combat; and (6) children of martyrs. The same regulations state that local governments must complete job placement within six months of receiving discharged personnel. Employers must sign medium- or long-term contracts lasting at least three years; for non-commissioned officers with ten-plus years of service, employers must offer open-ended contracts. During the placement period, veterans receive monthly living allowances equal to the local minimum wage. If placement fails due to reasons unrelated to the veteran, they receive 80% of the average wage of comparable workers until employment is secured. Exceptions include individuals expelled from the Communist Party of China or convicted of crimes. Article 51 clarifies that self-employed veterans must register within 30 days of discharge; otherwise, they lose eligibility for government support. (Nationwide, effective 1 September 2024.)

Evidence grade: A

Sources: State Council of China, Central Military Commission (2024). Regulations on the Placement of Veterans (State Council of China, Central Military Commission Order No. 787, promulgated on July 29, 2024, effective on September 1; Articles 25, 31, 32, 35, 51, 75). <https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2024/issue_11526/202408/content_6969192.html>; Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (2020). Law on the Protection of Veterans (Articles 13, 14, and 15). <http://www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/fgwx/flfg/16048597.html> (Published by the Ministry of National Defense)

Notes: This regulation took effect on the same date that the 2011 Regulations on Placement of Retired Soldiers (Decree No. 608 issued by the State Council and Central Military Commission) was repealed. Many online guides still reference the outdated version, which stipulated that veterans must have earned second-class combat merits or higher in peacetime or third-class merits or higher in wartime to qualify. The 30-day registration rule applies solely to self-employed veterans; others must register “within the prescribed timeframe.” Upon registration, veterans receive a preferential treatment certificate, which serves as a prerequisite for subsequent benefits such as pensions, employment support, and educational grants.