Khaberni - Kuwait has ratified a decree amending some provisions of the National Service Law, which mandates compulsory military service for every citizen upon reaching the age of 18, as part of an update to the national defense system.
According to the explanatory memorandum of the decree published in Kuwait's official gazette today, the practical implementation of the law, enacted in 2015, revealed the need to amend some of its texts by replacement, addition, or cancellation, in order to address gaps, shortcomings, and to enhance the human readiness of the armed forces, achieving a balance between the requirements of national security and the principles of legislative and social justice.
The amendments included a requirement to present a certificate of service, exemption, or postponement for appointments in government or private sector jobs or to obtain a license to practice a freelance profession, with priority in employment given to those who have completed national service.
Conversely, the law prohibits the appointment or rejection of any person based on their service status, whether they have performed the service, are currently enrolled, or have been called to it, provided they obtain a certificate from the Military National Service Authority indicating no impediment to appointment.
The amendment also stipulates the distribution of conscripts among army units according to the plan and orders issued by the Chief of General Staff of the Army or his deputy after completing training, with periods of imprisonment under judicial sentences or time spent in drug rehabilitation clinics not counting towards the actual service period.
The amendments specified the categories exempted from performing the service, among them students of military colleges, institutes, and schools, and those appointed or volunteering with a military rank in the army, police, national guard, or public fire service, as well as firefighters from the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries, provided their service duration is no less than five years, in addition to those born before January 1, 2012, and any other categories determined by the Cabinet according to public interest requirements.
