Abu Dhabi // Staff from 15 companies in the Northern Emirates could face prison sentences or fines of at least Dh20,000 (US$5,400) for providing private security services without a licence, the Ministry of Interior said yesterday. A police inspection found eight private security companies in Ras al Khaimah, four in Ajman and three in Umm al Qaiwain operating illegally. "These companies have not registered with the ministry as a private security company or to offer private security services," said Col Ahmed al Hantoubi, the director of the private security business department at the Ministry of Interior.
Col al Hantoubi said the companies had been referred to public prosecutors. In the case of convictions, prison sentences could range from a month to three years. According to a 2008 federal law, all security companies must have operating licences. Except in cases of family homes, no individual, or institution can employ a security guard except through a federally licensed company. Enforcement of the law started last year and companies were required to send their staff for training at the ministry. The enforcement campaign began in Abu Dhabi where all companies were working legally.
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