Doha expanded the eligibility requirements for its national service so that non-Qatari residents born in the country and children of Qatari mothers are able to be recruited into the scheme, Qatar’s defense ministry announced on Monday.
Those who enlist in the national service program will also receive financial incentives and have the opportunity to pursue permanent residency as an added benefit.
If accepted into national service, both men and women can expect to serve a maximum period of five years and receive a monthly allowance of up to QR7,000 by their final year of service.
If the full five years are completed, the individual will be given priority for recruitment into Qatar’s air force and, at this stage, can acquire residency.
Country with majority of foreign residents
While Doha has mandatory military service for male citizens aged 18-35, the vast majority of residents in Qatar are foreign nationals.
In 2018, the country moved to allow women to join the service.