Syria Regulates the "Private Security" Sector with Decree No. 55

"Security is a Regulated Service, Not a Parallel Authority"

Nour al-Din al-Baba, spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Interior, clarified the political and economic dimensions of Legislative Decree No. 55, issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al-Baba during a press conference, emphasized that the coming period will not tolerate unregulated "security facades," stressing that the goal is to transform security and protection companies into an economic and service-oriented sector that contributes to reconstruction under the rule of law.

Key highlights from the Interior Ministry spokesperson included three "red lines": no sovereignty other than the state's regarding raids, arrests, or investigations; no foreign influence in company ownership; and no autonomy in armament, as weapon ownership remains with the state and is distributed exclusively through the Ministry.

The Legal Roadmap: Key Points of Decree No. 55

The decree establishes a precise regulatory framework to end the overlap of authorities. Key features include:

• National Sovereignty Requirement: The decree mandates that Syrian nationals must hold at least 51% of a company's capital to ensure that security and economic decision-making remains in local hands.

• Company Classification (Tier System): The decree categorizes companies into three tiers based on staff size and capital:

  • Tier 1: (1001–1500 guards) with a minimum capital of 600 million SYP.

  • Tier 2: (501–1000 guards) with a minimum capital of 400 million SYP.

  • Tier 3: (300–500 guards) with a minimum capital of 200 million SYP.

• Training and Licensing: The decree established independent "Security Training Companies" to professionally qualify guards, requiring a formal "Guard ID" after completing specialized courses.

• Field Regulations: The decree prohibits the use of any ranks or uniforms resembling those of the Army or Police and bans companies from conducting investigations or intelligence gathering.

From Chaos to Institutionalism: Companies in the Field

This decree comes as a response to the realities of recent years, during which major companies played pivotal roles in protecting vital facilities. Today, these companies face the challenge of "adjusting their status" to integrate into the new system. Notable companies include:

1. "Al-Maham" Company: The largest player in protecting oil fields and strategic facilities, expected to lead the Tier 1 classifications.

2. "Sanad" Security and Protection Company: Active in securing supply routes and major economic facilities in the central and eastern regions.

3. "Qasioun" and "Al-Areen" Companies: Companies focusing on securing the commercial sector, administrative headquarters, and diplomatic missions in major cities.

4. "Shorouq" Company: Specialized in protecting the banking and hotel sectors with a professional approach.

Conclusion

Integrating these major companies into the structure of Decree No. 55, while adhering to the standards announced by the Interior Ministry, marks Syria's transition from a state of "emergency security needs" to one of "institutional stability." The decree is aimedat forging these experiences into a national framework that serves investment and upholds the state’s authority.

sources: sana, Omran for studies.

Syria news report