Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that Kuwait imposed compulsory military service on all male citizens upon reaching the age of 18, starting from those born on January 1, 2012, under new amendments to the country’s National Service Law.The changes amend Kuwait’s National Military Service Law of 2015 and aim to “address legislative and procedural gaps.”
The modifications did not change
Under the amended law, the registration deadline for eligible men was extended from 60 days to 180 days after they turn 18 years old. The amendments also provide an exception for an only child.Firefighters working for Kuwait Oil Company will now receive exemptions similar to those granted to members of the Kuwait Fire Force.According to Kuna, the amendments aim to address delays in processing some transactions and difficulties in dealing with cases that were not explicitly covered by the original law.
Where recruits can be placed
The National Military Service Authority has the right to appoint recruits in one of the following four sectors:
- Kuwait Armed Forces
- Ministry of Interior
- Kuwait National Guard
- Kuwait Fire Force
The decree formalizes the authority’s ability to distribute recruits across these sectors based on operational needs.
Work protection during service
The amendments stipulate that active recruits will retain their salaries, allowances, bonuses and benefits during their service period. Their time in National Service will also count towards their total years of service.The army said in a statement carried by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the amendments reflect the commitment of the National Military Service Authority to modernize the legislative framework that regulates recruitment in line with operational requirements.The army said, “The new decree addresses the observations that emerged during the implementation of the current law, which prompted the review of some provisions to ensure greater effectiveness.”The updated framework incorporates several procedural changes, including extending the registration period to 180 days, granting exemptions for single children, harmonizing firefighter exemptions, and clarifying the Authority’s authority to appoint recruits to designated security and military agencies.The amendments represent an important update to Kuwait’s national service system as the country moves to implement compulsory service for the next generation of eligible male citizens, starting with those born in 2012.