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PSBD Security, PSCOD, ASSD or PSFRD security guard process

The Private Security Business Department (PSBD) established itself as the first authority to regulate the private security sector in the United Arab Emirates. Security professionals operating under PSBD’s supervision are commonly referred to as PSBD security personnel.

The United Arab Emirates is one of the countries in the Middle East where we find professional security guards in residential, commercial, and public properties. This is made possible through the regulation of the private security industry by specialized authorities.

Over the years, regulations have grown to shape the private security industry into what it is today. The PSBD security (Private Security Business Department) has undergone several name changes and is now known as the PSFRD (Private Security Firms Regulatory Department).

In the past, the private security sector in the UAE operated without structure. Companies hired watchmen and paid them whatever they deemed fair. Most security guards were untrained and underpaid.

However, everything changed with the introduction of PSBD security regulations in 2001. This marked a significant turning point, setting regulations and standards that transformed the private security industry in the UAE.

Although I refer to PSBD in this post, it’s important to understand that the current name is PSFRD. The department was known through different names, such as PSCOD before becoming PSFRD.

Why Did the UAE Implement Private Security Legislation?

When the UAE started diversifying its economy from fossil fuels to service and industry sectors, the demand for private security personnel surged.

This surge led to the rapid growth of private security companies, particularly in Dubai. Tourism became a focal point of Dubai’s economic strategy. Government investment in constructing iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Miracle Garden boasts tourism.

With millions of visitors pouring into the country annually, luxury hotels and other high-end establishments were established, further driving the need for a professional security industry.

Before 2001, it was common for cleaning companies to supply security guards, with workers serving dual roles depending on the company’s needs. However, with the new security regulations, all security companies were brought under federal regulation.

Security regulatory body in UAE

  1. PSBD/ FSRD in the Northern Emirates
  2. PSRFD  in Abu Dhabi
  3. ASSD (Axillery Security Service Department) Abu Dhabi police
  4. SIRA in Dubai

Why Should You Work as a PSFRD Security Guard in the UAE?

If you’re considering a career as a security guard in the UAE, you’re in the right place. I can guide you step by step through the process of becoming a certified guard.

People from developing countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Philippines, and various African nations actively seek security jobs in the UAE.

Although working as a security guard may not be considered prestigious in their home countries, the story is quite different in the UAE. Here’s why many people choose security guard jobs in the UAE:

  • Good salary package
  • Respectable job
  • Professional training
  • Strict enforcement of employment contracts by authorities
  • Recognition as part of the National Defense Force
  • Fair and regulated salary payments
  • Understanding the Security Systems in the UAE

The UAE has two main security systems: “SIRA,” and “PSFRD” (Private Security Firms Regulatory Department), previously known as PSBD.

What is PSBD Security?

PSFRD, formerly known as PSBD in Abu Dhabi, continues to be widely recognized as PSBD in the Northern Emirates. It regulates private security companies across the UAE. PSBD/PSFRD enforces regulations for security firms operating in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Formation of PSBD/PSFRD

Initially formed in 2002 as a unit of Abu Dhabi Police and part of the Ministry of Interior, PSBD has since developed into a federal department. Staffed by both police officers and civilian personnel, it operates offices across several emirates.

Responsibilities of PSFRD

  • Stabilizing security regulatory standards
  • Approving security companies and security guards
  • Ensuring quality training and maintaining high standards
  • Examining and licensing security companies and guards
  • Inspecting companies and guards for compliance with federal law
  • Enforcing private security laws through fines and prosecutions, with daily monitoring and review

The Process to Become a PSBD (Now PSFRD) Security Guard

1. Get Hired as Security:

Before obtaining a PSBD license, you must secure a job with a security company in the UAE. The company might hire you from your home country or from within the UAE. If hired from abroad, the company will handle your visa and labor contract documentation.

2. Undergo Training:

After arriving in the UAE, the company will apply for training at the National Security Institute (NSI) or you can do it with Tadweer. This training lasts for 6 days and covers topics like legal rights, safety, and security measures.

3. Apply for PSFRD Test:

After completing the NSI training, you can apply for the PSFRD test. If the training was done on your own, you can apply for the PSFRD exam appointment yourself.

4. Exam Preparation:

PSBD does not provide training but administers the licensing exam. The test is based on NSI training material, so a solid understanding of the security knowledge gained during NSI training will help you succeed in the exam.

5.  Pass the Exam:

The test is computerized, with multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 38 out of 60 questions correctly (75%) to pass.

6. Results and Licensing:

Once you submit your test, the results are immediate. The license is usually issued within three days.

Note: You can only start working after obtaining your PSFRD/PSBD license. Always carry your license while on duty to avoid fines during inspections.

Conclusion

The PSBD security course has developed significantly over the years, becoming more rigorous and comprehensive. The PSFRD security guard training at NSI is now at level 3, covering a wide range of skills. Trainees will also learn about smart security systems during this training.

  1. Pretest Questions
  2. Model question set 1
  3. Model question set 2
  4. Test question set 3
  5. Test question set 4
  6. Exam question set 5
  7. Exam question set 6
  8. Model question set 7
  9. Model question set 8

How to be military contractor for a foreign country?

Ex-military and police officers often choose to work as private military contractors after completing their regular service in their home country. These roles allow them to continue utilizing their skills and experience, either domestically or abroad. In today’s post, we will explore the steps on how to become military contractor for a foreign country.

What is a military contractor?

A military contractor is an ex-military or police officer hired by the government or private military company to perform military or security tasks in the country or overseas operation.

The Scope of Military Contractor Jobs

The demand for military contractors often arises when a country’s military forces lack sufficient personnel to accomplish their missions. This shortfall creates opportunities for private contractors to step in and provide critical support.

High Demand Scenarios

  • Conflict and Unrest: Countries experiencing social unrest, wars, or internal instability often have a high demand for private military contractors. Governments and rulers may rely on these professionals to maintain control and protect their interests.
  • Critical Security Needs: Even in relatively peaceful environments, military contractors are hired to secure military bases, police stations, and other vital infrastructure.

Market Trends and Growth

The job market for military contractors has shown steady growth over the years. Historical data indicates a gradual expansion in opportunities, driven by both geopolitical factors and the increasing privatization of security services.

What is a Private Military Company (PMC)?

A Private Military Company (PMC) is an organization registered under private security regulations to provide armed or unarmed security services to clients. PMCs operate in various capacities, offering expertise in security, logistics, and military-related services.

Types of PMCs Based on Ownership

  1. Private PMCs

  • Privately held entities that provide services to governments, organizations, or individuals on a contractual basis.
  • These companies operate independently, often offering a wide range of services tailored to the needs of their clients.
  1. Semi-Governmental PMCs

  • Established with government funding, these PMCs focus on protecting critical infrastructure and providing combat-related services as required by the government.
  • The training and management of semi-governmental PMCs are typically overseen by military officers from the country’s armed forces.

Services Offered by PMCs

  • Armed Guarding: Protecting people, facilities, or assets in high-risk areas.
  • Intelligence and Data Collection: Assisting the military with reconnaissance, surveillance, and data analysis.
  • Specialized Equipment Operation: Some PMCs own and operate advanced technology, such as drones, surveillance planes, and cutting-edge military equipment.

Industry Overview

While some PMCs operate at a corporate level and manage state-of-the-art resources, the industry remains relatively unknown to the general public. PMCs are indispensable in scenarios where specialized military support is needed, offering tailored services to address a variety of security and operational challenges.

Are private military companies legal?

There is no company registered around the globe as a private military. They register as a Security Company and give dual services (Military and Security). Employees of PMC are referred to as

  1. military or
  2. security contractors.

If their staff work for the military they call military contractors and staff who work as security they call security contractors.

The private military company offers service and expertise typically similar to government security, military, and law enforcement agencies.

Private military contractors serve as an auxiliary to the military. Additionally, some private corporate companies hire them as bodyguards for key employees or to secure the company’s premises in high-risk areas.

Scope of military contractor job;

If there is a war, Private military contractors have many chances of operating and earning. There were more than 10,000 private military companies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

In the Russia-Ukraine war, some military contractors are fighting alongside the Russian and Ukrainian militaries.

PMCs have been involved in armed guarding the military bases, installations, foreign embassies, and corporate companies. In addition, they provide logistic support to the foreign military.

In the Middle east countries. There are plenty of chances for private military companies and private military contractors since the local population does not want to join it.

The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council ) countries such as Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have accommodated the US Army and airforce bases. PMCs provide armed guarding services to the US army bases all over the Gulf region.

Another chance for private military contractors within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is, that the GCC governments have a contract with the private military companies for the protection of the key government facilities and the royal family members.

You may notice that individuals from India, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, and African nationals are guarding the government facilities in the Gulf countries with military uniforms. They’re private military contractors not the regular military of these countries.

The top private military company in the world.

  1. Aegis Defence Services (London)
  2. Garda World International Protecting Services (USA)
  3. Management risks (Europe)
  4. Erinys International (Dubai)
  5. Sand line International (London)
  6. AirScan (USA)
  7. Academi (USA)
  8. full general Battles (USA)
  9. G4S the USA
    10 Jorge Scientific Corporation USA
    11 KBR USA
    12 magazine part USA
  10. MPRI, Inc. USA
  11. MVM, Inc. USA
    15 Northbridge Services cluster John Howard Northrop Grumman the USA
  12. Raytheon USA
  13. Titan Corporation USA
    18 Triple Cover, Inc. USA
  14. Costello’s cluster. USA
  15. Vinnell Corporation USA

The Qualification to be a military contractor;

The qualification to become a private military contractor you must have experience in the military, armed police, and law enforcement agency in your home country.

But some of the PMC companies want more than the military they require a candidate who has done commando or ranger training. Here are common criteria the candidate must meet;

  • Minimum 23+ years of age.
  • fluent in English speaking, reading, and writing.
  • possess a Secret Services clearance or police clearance certificate.
  • Military background and knowledge of Combat Arms,
  • Having the worked capacity with Military officers in a series of combat scenarios.
  • Must have honorary discharge record, not any misconduct discharge.
  • Must be able to qualify on primary military weapons and crew-served weapons.
  • Able to work in any weather condition.

SALARY;

This occupation brings more salary than you received at the military, police, or other defense departments in your home country. But there is some risk that you can be exposed to danger if the deployment country is in war.

  • Low Salary: $1200-$1500
  • Average: $2500-$6000
  • High: $800-$1100

The salary affects various factors such as location, country safety status, and size of the company.

How to find a Private military contractor job?

The private military company does not publish an opening in public newspapers or any job portals. So, it is hard to determine which PMC requires manpower and when. As I know about their hiring policy there are three ways to search for a PMC job.

  1. Submit your CV on the company website.

    Private military companies are secret services providers so, they might not make public their job openings. Every company has a website, simply submit your CV on their website. When a new applicant is needed, they can contact you for an interview.

  2.  find a job online

    Not all, but some of the private military companies publish the vacancies online job portals like indeed.com, monster job, glass door, etc. I had found some private military contractor jobs for Afghanistan, Iraq, and other war-torn countries. But, make sure that you have chosen a genuine private company, not a scammer.

Even if the jobs are publicly available, you must apply if you find one from a reputable company.

Always be cautious when applying for a job online. Someone may scam you by claiming to represent a private military company.

3. Your friend will help you

Your friend who already works in PMC as a private military contractor can inform you about the opening.

The majority of private military contractor jobs are filled on the recommendation of their employees because they trust the individual whom their employees have already known.

I believe it is a good idea to contact your friends and family who work as private military contractors; they may suggest to you if the company has openings.

Final thoughts: For ex-army, police, and law enforcement agency officers, a private military contractor position may be the best option for a further career. The salary for the private military contractor depends on the level of threat in the place where you perform the duty.

 

UAE visa validity check through passport number

If you’re a first-time visa holder heading to the United Arab Emirates, one of the key concerns is ensuring the validity of your UAE visa. This is especially important for those coming from developing countries, where agents may sometimes mislead people about their actual visa status. It’s essential to conduct a UAE visa validity check online before you start celebrating with your friends and family.

Why is this important?

Unfortunately, not all manpower agencies are trustworthy. I’ve seen cases where individuals were given cleaner visas, yet told by agents that they were coming in as stockers or factory workers.

This can lead to significant problems because it’s illegal to work in a job that doesn’t match your visa and work permit type.

If you’re new to the UAE, it’s crucial to verify your visa online before making the journey. The same goes for UAE residents who need to check their visa status after submitting a renewal application.

How can you check your visa status for UAE?

Since 2011, the UAE government has allowed users to check their visa validity online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website. This service is still available today, and you can access it by clicking here.

The GDRFA website is somewhat difficult because it needs more information for checking the UAE visa status including entry permit number, visa application number, etc.

However, the GDRFA website can be a bit tricky to check your visa because it requires specific information;

  • like your entry permit number or
  • visa application number.

And here’s the challenge: many people don’t have these numbers on hand because they applied through a manpower agency or agent.

Even if you’re a UAE resident, you’re not always carrying your passport with you. Fortunately, your Emirates ID serves as a powerful tool, allowing you to move freely throughout the country.

With the Smart Dubai or Smart UAE initiative, all government systems have been upgraded, putting the UAE government websites ahead of many others around the world.

What if you don’t have a copy of your visa?

No problem. As long as you know your passport number and its expiry date, you can still check your visa status online. The UAE government has integrated the immigration database with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website, making it easier for visa holders to check their visa status.

Now, you can verify your visa status not only on the GDRFA and ednrd Dubai websites but also on the ICA portal. Whether you’re checking your visa status or tracking the processing of your visa, these platforms have you covered.

Since the launch of the UAE’s smart government services, most of the services have moved online. You can now access these services from electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making it incredibly convenient.

What do you need to check your UAE visa validity?

You only need two things:

  1. Your passport number
  2. Your passport expiry date

UAE visa validity check through passport number

To check your visa status, follow these simple steps:

    1. Visit the Federal Identity and Citizenship website by clicking here.
    2. https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity
    3. Ensure that you’ve landed on the official site.
    4. Select ‘Passport Information’

visa-status-uae

5. Choose either ‘Residency’ or ‘Visa’

6. Enter your passport number and passport expiry date.

7. Select your nationality from the drop-down menu.

8. Complete the captcha checkbox.

Dubai-visa-status

9. Click on ‘Search’.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll receive the status of your UAE visa.rt number and passport expiry date.

If the above link doesn’t work, you’ll need to visit the ICP official website by clicking here.

Once you’re on the site, navigate to the Public Visa Services section. There, you’ll find various services, including the option to track your application.

uae visa check

Before you can track your visa application online, you’ll need to register on their website. After registering, you can easily track your application status.

Note: The process for tracking your application and the information required are the same as shown in the image above.

Relevant links.