The Government of Kuwait has made major changes in the National Military Service Law. Now Kuwaiti youth will have to report for military service as soon as they turn 18 years of age. This new rule has been applied to people born on or after January 1, 2012. The government has also extended the registration time so that no one faces any problem and the process can be completed easily.
Which people are required to do military service?
According to the new law, all Kuwaiti men born on or after January 1, 2012 will have to perform mandatory service. After turning 18, the youth will now get 180 days for registration instead of the earlier 60 days.
A big relief has been given that people born before January 1, 2012 have been completely exempted from this mandatory service. The old cases or legal proceedings pending against them have also now been cancelled, which has brought relief to thousands of people.
What will be the impact on job and salary?
The government has taken full care of the rights of the youth. Those who are already employed will continue to receive full salary, bonuses and allowances during military service. Their service time will be added to their total years of service, which will result in benefits in pension and seniority.
Apart from this, it has now been made mandatory to show military service certificate to get a government or private job. If someone wants to start his own business or practice, he must also first provide proof of completion of service or exemption.
Where will the service have to be done and who will get the exemption?
Now the youth can be deployed not only in the Army but in four different departments related to the security of the country. It includes the Kuwait Army, Police (Ministry of Interior), National Guard and Kuwait Fire Force. Certain people are excluded from this service:
The only son of the family. Students studying in military college or school. People already working in Army, Police or Fire Force for 5 years. Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) firefighters.