Kuwait Armed Forces announced amendments to law no. 20 of 2015 on national military service following the issuance of decree-law no. 9 of 2026, introducing changes aimed at improving implementation and addressing gaps identified during practical application.

Under the revised provisions, national military service will apply to every Kuwaiti male who reaches the age of 18, starting with those born on Jan 1, 2012. All individuals born prior to that date are exempt, and any procedures taken in violation of this provision will be canceled.

In a statement, the Army said the amendments reflect the national military service authority’s commitment to modernizing the legislative framework governing conscription in line with operational requirements. The new decree addresses observations that surfaced during enforcement of the existing law, prompting a review of certain provisions to ensure greater effectiveness, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) announced.

According to the statement, practical experience revealed legislative and procedural shortcomings, including delays in processing some transactions and challenges in handling cases not explicitly covered by the original text. The amendments are intended to enhance efficiency, streamline procedures and strengthen the balance between public interest and the rights and obligations of those subject to service.

The amendments ensure that recruited employees retain their salaries, allowances, bonuses and benefits during their period of service. The duration of national service will also be counted as part of the individual’s actual years of employment.

Additional changes include exempting the only son from military service, granting Kuwait Oil Company firefighters the same exemptions afforded to members of the Kuwait Fire Force, and extending the registration period for those turning 18 from 60 days to 180 days.

The decree further authorizes the national military service authority to assign recruits to one of four sectors: the Kuwaiti Army, the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard or the Kuwait Fire Force.