ABU DHABI // Security guards should undergo training before they are recruited and not after to ensure they “add value to the country”, an FNC member argued on Tuesday.
Hamad Al Rahoomi (Dubai), asked the Minister of Labour what conditions the ministry considers before issuing work permits for security guards.
“Many private security companies are operating in several sensitive areas in the country, and they sponsor thousands of security employees with various nationalities,” Mr Al Rahoomi said. “So under what terms are these permits issued?”
Saqr Ghobash said the ministry is responsible for issuing permits but not for training or testing the qualifications of the guards. They must undergo special training and examinations at a specialised institute before taking up their posts.
“For example, when we issue a work permit for a driver, he doesn’t have a license yet, he goes later to the Interior Ministry to get tested.
“The same applies to a doctor. When we issue his permit, he does not operate as a doctor instantly, there is another party that organises his licensing.”
He said he has contacted colleagues responsible for qualifying security guards, and they explained it is a long process and the candidate undergoes intensive training.
“And the company who applies for the work permits knows in advance that they will be subject to all of these standards,” he added. “Our role stops at this point.”
Mr Al Rahoomi said his understanding was that candidates must present their certificates when applying for certain positions in order to receive work permits.
“Whether it is a nurse, electrician – the ministry requests their certificates.”
Therefore, he added, security personnel should present documents that prove they are up to the standards or the permit should not be issued.
“Because this is different than all other jobs, their job is sensitive and they are present in accident scenes and so on. Even in Government departments, it is security guards who are present there all the time.
“For example, how can I call someone a doctor if he was not qualified to do the job?”
The minister said he understood Mr Al Rahoomi’s concern, but said there are unified professional comprehensive procedures that security guards undergo upon arrival. Dubai is the exception, because it has its own system.
“They have to undergo examinations, plus the job title is a security guard not a security personnel.”
Mr Al Rahoomi insisted that his question be referred to the party concerned with the qualification standards for security guards.
Dr Amal Al Qubaissi (Abu Dhabi), who was the speaker during that session due to the absence of Mohammed Al Mur, asked Mr Al Rahoomi to present a new question with specific points to be sent to the concerned officials.
hdajani@thenational.ae