Kuwait has issued Law Decree No. 92 of 2026 amending several provisions of Law No. 32 of 1967 concerning the military, introducing changes covering disciplinary rules, recruitment requirements, medical fitness, special contracts and military leave. The decree was published in the official Kuwait Al Youm Gazette.

The new decree replaces provisions in Article 23, paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 32, and paragraph 2 of Article 40 of the military law. It also introduces additional provisions concerning the recruitment of professionals and other categories under special contracts, as well as a new form of special leave for military personnel.

One of the key changes concerns disciplinary violations and penalties. The maximum period for a disciplinary penalty restricting liberty has been increased from 60 days to 90 days, according to the explanatory memorandum. At the same time, the amended provision continues to prohibit disciplinary penalties involving dismissal, expulsion, demotion, corporal punishment or other specified forms of severe disciplinary action.

The explanatory memorandum stated that increasing the maximum period is intended to strengthen the effectiveness of the disciplinary system and allow the competent authority to impose a penalty proportionate to the seriousness of a violation. The amendment maintains the other safeguards and provisions contained in the relevant article.

The decree also changes recruitment requirements for military officers. The minimum or applicable recruitment age, along with any exceptions, will now be determined by a decision issued by the Minister of Defense rather than being fixed permanently within the law. Applicants must also meet the medical fitness requirements for military service, with the relevant conditions to be established by ministerial decision.

According to the explanatory memorandum, giving the Minister of Defense authority to determine recruitment ages provides greater flexibility to respond to the changing needs of the armed forces and developments in recruitment and attraction policies. The same approach to medical fitness requirements is intended to allow military medical standards to be adjusted in line with scientific developments and applicable standards.

The amended provisions also align the age requirement for accepting non-commissioned officers and personnel with the rules governing officers. Their recruitment age and applicable exceptions will likewise be determined through a decision by the Minister of Defense.

Another significant change allows professionals and other categories to be accepted into the armed forces under special contracts. The new provision added to Article 5 establishes that such recruitment may take place according to the regulations and decisions issued by the Minister of Defense.

The decree also introduces a new category of special leave under Article 82. The provision allows special leave with full pay, reduced pay or without pay, subject to the applicable rules and regulations.

The decree was issued following consideration of the Constitution, the Amiri Order of May 10, 2024, and several laws and decrees governing defense and public service matters. It was issued following a proposal by the Minister of Defense and approval by the Council of Ministers.

The new amendments represent an update to several provisions of Kuwait’s military law, providing greater administrative flexibility in recruitment, medical standards, disciplinary procedures and military service arrangements. The changes also create a legal framework for special professional contracts and introduce additional options for special leave within military service.