> All IT workers are exempted from mobilization.

This isn't entirely true. A friend of mine (who works in IT) got drafted. In 3 days he ended up getting a pregnancy certificate faked, so he and his girlfriend could get legally married quickly (for immigration options elsewhere) - and fled the country.

The draft is unequal, they are concerned about their IT worker shortage. The majority of drafting is happening in impoverished areas of the country, and ethnic minorities. Often people think they'll just be doing a driving job or something, and end up in combat. But nobody is truly safe. Your friend is taking a large gamble by visiting.