Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has formally referred a government-drafted law to Parliament that aims to introduce stricter penalties for private security firms in Bahrain. The proposed legislation seeks to increase the regulatory oversight and legal consequences for security companies operating within the country. Lawmakers are now set to review the draft, which establishes new enforcement measures designed to hold these firms accountable for their professional conduct. This referral marks the latest administrative step by the government to tighten control over the private security sector. Officials expect the parliamentary debate to address the specific implementation of these harsher disciplinary actions across the industry.
Licensing and Operational Requirements
Private security companies operating without a license in Bahrain face significant financial penalties under the proposed legislative changes, with fines reaching up to BD5,000. Article 16 of the draft law clarifies the severity of these infractions, stipulating that providing security services without an Interior Ministry license carries a penalty of imprisonment alongside a fine ranging between BD500 and BD5,000.
Additional regulatory standards are outlined in Article Eight to address unauthorized practices. This provision explicitly prohibits the conduct of private detective work and mandates that firms refrain from the use of unauthorized vehicles. Article Eight establishes that operating with an expired license constitutes a violation of the law. These measures are designed to ensure that all security providers maintain valid credentials and adhere to strict operational boundaries as defined by the government. Parliament will consider these specific requirements during the upcoming review of the draft legislation to determine their final application across the sector.
Penalties for Security Managers
Proposed legislation introduces personal liability for security managers to ensure stricter adherence to regulatory requirements. Under the draft law, managers may face up to six months in jail for breaching these established standards.
Article 17 specifically addresses operational conduct, mandating imprisonment of up to six months for managers found violating rules regarding staff uniforms and medical eligibility. This provision also stipulates that such violations carry financial penalties, with fines ranging from BD100 to BD1,000. These measures aim to hold individual leadership accountable for the professional compliance of their firms. Parliament will review these penalties as part of the broader effort to regulate the private security sector in Bahrain.
