Minimum wage law for security guards soon

Abu Dhabi: A legally binding minimum wage is soon to be introduced for all private security guards across the UAE, a senior official said.

Speaking to Gulf News at the first International Conference on the Role of Private Security Sector in Protecting the Community, Colonel Ahmad Al Hantoubi, the director of the Private Security Companies Section of the Ministry of Interior, said: "All private security guards working in the UAE will be paid a minimum wage very soon in order to ensure fairness and standardisation. This amount will be paid to all irrespective of their nationality."

"Currently, on an average, guards are paid around Dh1,000 to Dh1,500 [a month]. This will go up," he said, without specifying the likely hike.

The new pay structure will be ensured by way of a decree, elaborating new regulations that will govern the private security industry in the country. The details of the decree, that will be in keeping with the federal law issued in 2006, are expected to be announced by officials next week.

"The transition to minimum wage will, however, be kept flexible because we do not want to hurt the companies, their clients or the community", Al Hantoubi added.

Major General Nasser Al Nuaimi, the director of the Interior Minister's Office, said: "The UAE has paid great attention to the development of the security sector at all levels by seeking ways to improve the performance level of security officers."

Officials also confirmed that providing firearms to private security personnel was not under consideration.