Saudi Gazette Report

DESPITE the immense responsibility placed on security guards in the private sector, the sector suffers from low salaries and social mockery.

With little to no conditions required for employment other than being a Saudi, candidates often have no experience and are hired regardless of age or physical fitness, turning the profession into somewhat of a mockery with people often joking that the profession is a “job without a job.”

With shifts often exceeding 12 hours, security guards are paid between SR2,500 and SR,4000 a month. There is little other compensation offered, according to several security guards who spoke to Al-Hayat Arabic daily.

"Some people call us Al-Natour (janitor). Our task and what we do has nothing to do with security despite the dangers we face, especially when sites are as sensitive and important as guarding banks or ATMs. We need to strengthen the role of the security guard in the private sector," said Mohammed Al-Abid, a security guard.

Yousif Majid works at a shopping mall where he says shoppers don’t take them seriously with many even hurling abuses at them.

"We are subject to many situations that reduce our role and leave us frustrated. Even when we provide advice or guidance, we are not taken seriously. We often get insulted especially when we try to forbid young men from entering shopping centers if they are dressed inappropriately," said Majid.

With poor fitness common among security guards, they have become a laughing stock with people often mocking obese or thin security guards.

Khalid Yusuf is a supervisor of security guards and he said the main problem is that companies refuse to invest in developing the skills of security guards.

“Right now, there are no requirements for getting the job of a security guard. Security guards are not required to have a minimal level of education, computer skills or even English. Companies don't invest in developing the skills of security guards and they don't receive any type of training,” he said.

"We see a lot of ads placed by companies looking to hire security guards, but with no future and social status or incentives. The security guard faces the risk and does not receive any training in self-defense. He is not authorized to carry a weapon, and many videos and news stories of guards being attacked have highlighted the need for security guards to defend themselves and the places they are guarding," he added.

According to an informed source, there are 25,000 security guards working in the Kingdom.

Lawyer Fahad Al-Shalawi said the issuance of licenses to private security companies has been suspended.

"I have been informed that the suspension is to introduce and implement new decisions and reorganizations related to the field of security escorts, the development of private institutions, and the imposition of service fees with the companies and institutions that are contracted," stated Al-Shalawi.