Concerning Veterans! Effective from August 1, 2026

Premier Li Qiang recently signed a State Council order, announcing the "Regulations on Promoting Employment and Entrepreneurship of Retired Military Personnel" (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations"), which will take effect on August 1, 2026.

The "Regulations" aim to promote the employment and entrepreneurship of retired military personnel, leverage the human resources of retired military personnel, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and ensure that military service becomes a respected profession in society. The "Regulations" consist of 6 chapters and 48 articles, mainly stipulating the following content.

First, it clarifies the overall requirements. The employment and entrepreneurship work for retired military personnel adheres to the principle of combining universal benefits with preferential treatment, adopting a method that combines government promotion, market guidance, and social support to encourage and assist retired military personnel in employment and entrepreneurship. It guides retired military personnel to establish a correct view of career choice and promotes high-quality and full employment through measures such as education and training, employment support, and entrepreneurship assistance. It clarifies the division of responsibilities among relevant units.

Second, it establishes education and training policies. The state takes measures to strengthen education and training for retired military personnel. Retired military personnel participating in national education examinations and receiving academic education will enjoy preferential treatment and funding policies according to national regulations. The state will incorporate vocational skills training for retired military personnel into the lifelong vocational skills training policy and implementation system, and set requirements for adaptive training, free vocational skills training, and training subsidies.

Third, it improves employment preferential measures. When government agencies, mass organizations, public institutions, and state-owned enterprises recruit personnel, they may appropriately relax the age and educational requirements for retired military personnel, giving priority to the recruitment of retired military personnel under equal conditions. A certain number of grassroots civil servant positions will be set up in various regions, targeting retired military personnel who have served for 5 years and are college graduates. It clarifies the preferential policies for retired military personnel during recruitment for special positions such as in public institutions in remote and difficult areas and firefighters in national comprehensive fire rescue teams.

Fourth, it optimizes entrepreneurship support measures. It clarifies the tax, financing, and credit support policies for retired military personnel starting businesses. Local people's governments at or above the county level support and guide retired military personnel with entrepreneurial intentions and training needs to participate in entrepreneurship training. It encourages retired military personnel to innovate and start businesses.

In addition, it specifies corresponding legal responsibilities for behaviors that violate the provisions of the "Regulations."

Source: PLA Daily