Tunisia Launches First Military Recruitment Session for 2026 (March 2 – April 10)
Tunis, February 27, 2026 – The inaugural recruitment drive for the 2026 national service year will run from March 2 to April 10, announced on Friday by Captain Achraf Khelifa. Recruitment commissions will be deployed across the country’s delegations according to a pre‑set calendar.
Who Is Eligible?
- Born in the first quarter of 2006 (January – March)
- Born between 2000 and earlier years
Captain Khelifa told Express FM that eligible candidates must report to the recruitment centers in Tunis, Sousse, Béja, Gabès, and Kasserine to regularize their status under the national service law.
Legal Framework
- Mandatory service: Every Tunisian man aged 20‑35 must complete one year of national service.
- Exemption: Individuals born before January 1, 2000 are exempted, except in rare, legally defined cases.
- Penalties: Refusing to present oneself can lead to criminal prosecution. Only specific legal circumstances allow postponement or exemption.
Recruitment Process (Three Phases)
- Census of 18‑year‑olds – The first step is to register all youths turning 18.
- Automatic enlistment at 20 – Under Law No. 1 of 2004, every citizen who reaches 20 must automatically present for service until the age of 35.
- Early service option – 18‑year‑olds may, under certain conditions, request to serve early and receive professional training.
“Young people who have completed service remain mobilizable in the reserve army for 24 years,” explained Captain Mokhtar Zakraoui.
Exemptions & Postponements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Security & Public Safety Personnel | Armed forest guards, prison officers, civil protection agents, and other security corps members are exempt. |
| Health‑Related Cases | Medical conditions that prevent service. |
| Family & Marital Situations | Support‑family obligations or marital status may qualify for exemption. |
| Study or Work Commitments | Postponements granted for university studies, employment, or specific family circumstances. |
| Women | Recruitment limited to health‑sector personnel, per agreements between the Ministries of Health and Defense. |
Additional Notes
- Approximately 54 000 young Tunisians are affected by each annual recruitment cycle.
- Authorities urge all eligible youths to regularize their status to avoid military‑justice intervention.
- The national service principle is founded on equality among all citizens.
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