The State Administration Council (SAC) has introduced the Private Security Service Law (State Administration Council Law 4/2025) to regulate private security services across Myanmar. This law establishes a legal framework for the licensing, operation, and oversight of private security firms, ensuring compliance with national security policies and standards.

Key Provisions of the Law

Licensing and Registration Requirements

• Private security service providers must obtain a license from the relevant ministry.
• Security personnel are required to meet specific training and qualification standards.
• Companies must comply with financial and operational guidelines to maintain their licenses.
1. Scope of Private Security Services
   • The law defines the functions of private security services, including property protection, personal security, and event security management.
   • Use of force and possession of weapons by private security personnel are strictly regulated.
2. Government Oversight and Compliance
   • The ministry responsible has the authority to inspect and monitor private security firms.
   • Firms that violate licensing conditions may face penalties, including fines or revocation of licenses.
   • Compliance with national security and public safety measures is mandatory.
3. Employment Composition: Foreign and Local Personnel
   • If the license holder is a foreign company, at least 75 per cent of the hired private security personnel must be Myanmar citizens.
4. Private Security Service Agreements and Use of Equipment
   • License holders:
     • May provide private security services by signing an agreement with the client to provide private security services.
     • Shall carry out the purchase, sale, possession, or use of communication equipment, technological security support tools, and other related materials, which are authorized by the Central Committee, in accordance with the existing laws, licensing regulations, and rules, with the permission of the Central Committee.
5. Permit Requirements for Security Deployment
   • A person who wants to deploy more than 10 security members for their own business or branch (not for personal security services) shall apply for a permit to the relevant supervisory committee.
   • The validity period of the permit shall be three years from the date of issuance.
   • If the permit holder intends to appoint more than 10 private security staff, they must apply for a permit extension to the relevant supervisory committee in accordance with the prescribed requirements at least three months in advance before the permit expires.
   • If they apply for permit extension, the relevant supervisory committee shall analyze and submit to the Central Committee with comments.
   • If they fail to extend the permit, it shall be deemed that the permit is revoked on the day of expiration.

Offences and Penalties

1. Major Violations:
   • Whoever is convicted of any prohibitions in subsection (a) of section 34, section 35, or section 37 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term from a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years or a fine of 10 million kyats.
   • If the perpetrator is a company or organization, the company or organization shall be fined a minimum of 100 million kyats and a maximum of 300 million kyats.
2. Moderate Violations:
   • Whoever is convicted of any prohibitions in subsection (b) of section 34 or section 41 may be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or with a fine from a minimum of 10 million kyats to a maximum of 50 million kyats, or both.
3. Specific Offenses:
   • Whoever is convicted of any prohibitions in section 36 may be punished with imprisonment for a term of two years or with a fine of 50 million kyats, or both.
   • If the offender is a company or organization, the company or organization shall be fined from a minimum of 50 million kyats to a maximum of 100 million kyats.
   • Any license holder who is convicted of any prohibitions in section 38 or section 39 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years and a fine of 50 million kyats.
   • If the offender is a company or organization, the company or organization shall be fined a minimum of 50 million kyats and a maximum of 100 million kyats.
   • Any private security servant who is convicted of any prohibition in section 40 shall be imprisoned for not less than two years or fined 300,000 kyats, or both punishments must be imposed.

Impact on Businesses and Individuals

• For Private Security Firms: The new regulations impose stricter compliance requirements, ensuring higher professional standards and accountability.
• For Businesses and Organizations: Employers seeking private security services must verify that providers are properly licensed under the new law.
• For the Public: The law aims to enhance security service quality and reliability, benefiting individuals and businesses requiring protection.

Conclusion

The enactment of the Private Security Service Law (SAC Law 4/2025) represents a significant step in regulating Myanmar’s private security sector. Businesses, security firms, and individuals should familiarize themselves with the new legal requirements to ensure compliance.

For legal advice and assistance with licensing and compliance under this law, please contact us.