Bahrain Proposes Tough Penalties for Unlicensed Private Security Firms

Overview

Bahrain is considering new legislation that would impose fines of up to BD5,000 on private security firms operating without a licence and could jail security managers for up to six months for breaching regulatory requirements, according to a proposal submitted to parliament by Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The government‑drafted law aims to strengthen oversight of private security firms, introduce stricter licensing requirements and improve accountability across the sector. The move reflects broader Gulf efforts to tighten oversight of private security providers.

Penalties under Article 16

The draft law states that anyone providing security services without an Interior Ministry licence could face imprisonment and a fine ranging from BD500 to BD5,000, or either penalty. The same penalties apply to violations of Article Eight, which prohibits private detective work, the use of unauthorised vehicles and working with an expired licence.

Manager liability and Article 17

Where an offence is committed in the name of a company, on its behalf or using its resources, the security manager would incur the penalty prescribed for that offence. Article 17 provides for imprisonment of up to six months and fines ranging from BD100 to BD1,000, or either punishment, for security managers who violate or permit violations of uniform and medical eligibility rules. If no security manager has been appointed, the person responsible for the firm’s actual management would be held accountable.