Minimum wages fixed for private security guards

Abu Dhabi: Minimum wages for private security guards, working across the country, have been announced. These wages are Dh6,000 for Emiratis and Dh2,000 for expatriates, officials announced on Wednesday.

The new pay structure is part of a decree that explains the regulations and codes, governing the private security industry in the country.

With the cost of staffing being passed down to clients, hiring private security guards will be a costlier affair in places where their services are most often sought, like malls, hospitals and banks.

"Private security guards all over the UAE will now be entitled to minimum wages and any company that does not comply with this minimum wage criteria will face a fine of Dh20,000 and/or a jail term," Colonel Ahmad Al Hantoubi, the director of the Private Security Companies' Section at the Ministry of Interior, told Gulf News.

A list of codes and regulations have also been set by a decree, issued to ensure better regulation of private security companies in the country. The decree will come into effect from March 27.

In view of this, all companies in the UAE - even those that are already registered and licensed - will need to re-register and acquire fresh accreditation. The companies have been given two months' time to register with the authorities and fulfil the pre-requisites, Al Hantoubi said.

The registration will open on January 28 and end on March 27. “

"We are giving companies ample time to fall in line because our intention is not to hurt their businesses, but to streamline the sector," Al Hantoubi said.