Federal National Council to discuss salaries during military service

The Federal National Council (FNC) will discuss the final clauses of the draft law on the compulsory military service for Emiratis in a closed-door session on Wednesday. The discussion will focus on the additional financial emoluments to Emiratis while doing their national military service.

The Ministry of Defence will pay 50 per cent of the salaries of Emiratis working in the private sector while they complete their mandatory military service. The other 50 per cent will be borne by their respective companies. The salaries of the government employees will be paid by the government. The mandatory military service for university graduates will be nine months, while non-university graduates it will be two years.

He said the draft law, which will be tabled in the next FNC session, aims at forming an extra national defence force to safeguard the country, maintain its borders and protect it. “Under the law, the next generation will acquire various experiences that boost their sense of belonging and loyalty as well as participation,” he noted.

The FNC approved the draft law on conscription, making military service mandatory for Emirati males and optional for females. —malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com