His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, issued Law No. 5 of 2018 on National Service System. The law stipulates that all male Qatari citizens who have reached the age of 18 or have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent are required to perform compulsory national service, and may not be appointed to jobs or practice professions without proof of performing this service or obtaining an exclusion.
National Service System Conscription
As per the law, every Qatari male in the following categories is assigned to perform national service:
- Males who have reached the age of 18 or have obtained a high school diploma.
- The conscript’s age does not exceed 35 years.
The conscript is obligated to present himself to the Academy within 60 days of reaching the age or obtaining the diploma.
Duration of National Service
The duration of national service varies according to educational qualifications:
- One year for males who have reached the conscription age or have obtained a high school diploma.
- One year for graduates of accredited universities and institutes.
- 4 months for employees and personnel in civil positions who have at least 4 months of actual service.
National service includes a period of military training and academic qualification according to regulations set by the competent authorities.
National service for females
The law specified that female enrollment in national service is optional for those who have reached the age of 18, provided that the regulations for performance and its duration are determined by a decision issued by the competent authorities.
Postponement of National Service
National service may be postponed for the following categories:
- Those who are medically proven to have an impairment or illness that prevents them from serving.
- The sole breadwinner of his family, including minor children.
- Students attending high school or university until they reach the specified legal age.
These postponements are granted according to regulations and conditions set by the Ministry of Defense in coordination with the concerned authorities.
Penalties for Violators
The law stipulates severe penalties for anyone who fails to perform national service without an acceptable excuse, whereby they shall be punished with imprisonment or a financial fine according to the following:
- Imprisonment for one month to 3 years, or a fine of up to 300,000 Qatari riyals.
- Penalties are aggravated in cases of war or public mobilization.
Rights and guarantees
The law guarantees employees assigned to national service their employment rights:
- Maintaining their jobs and salaries while performing the service.
- The period of service is counted towards years of experience and pension.
- Vacations are granted according to specific regulations.
Transfer of Conscripts to the National Reserve
After completing national service, conscripts are transferred to the National Reserve Force until they reach the age of 40, and may be called up for training or emergency purposes.
National Service Objectives
The national service system in Qatar aims to:
- Strengthening national affiliation.
- Promoting the level of military and defense readiness of the state.
- Developing the skills of Qatari youth and qualifying them to serve the nation in various sectors
Conclusion
Law No. 5 of 2018 is considered a significant step in strengthening Qatar’s national defense system. By organizing national service and defining its terms and conditions, the law seeks to prepare a generation capable of assuming responsibility and protecting the country’s security and stability.
