Qatar has made a historic decision by introducing national service for women under a new law issued by HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Law No. 5 of 2018 on national service was issued by HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday.
According to the new law, women above 18 will be able to volunteer for national service. It is the first time the country will be allowing women for national service, although some women already serve in the military in administrative roles.
The new law was well received by women in the country. Aisha, a 23-year-old Qatari national, was quite happy with the new law.
“I’m very happy about the inclusion of Qatari women in the Emiri law enabling them to perform military service. Giving Qatari women an opportunity to actively serve their country in the field of defense is an important precedent. It reflects Qatar’s continuous progress in ensuring gender equality,” she said.
Meanwhile, in another decision, every Qatari male, aged between 18 and 35, or has a high school diploma or equivalent, will be required to perform a compulsory military service. The duration of national service has also been raised from three months to one year.
The law states that no appointments will be permitted to any jobs nor any license granted for practising free profession or to register in the schedules of operators thereof unless the aspirant has put in mandatory military service.
No employee can remain in the job after the issuance of warrant calling him up for the performance of active service. The employee cannot resume work until a service completion letter is issued by competent military authority.
Anyone caught trying to avoid military service could face up to three years in jail and a fine of up to QR50,000.
source: salamqatar.com
