Government directs security officers to hold identification documents for Airbnb visitors

The statement follows a surge in reported criminal activities in the country including cases of murder on platforms such as Airbnb

Private security officers have been instructed to record and temporarily withhold identification documents in accommodations, lodging, and hospitality establishments where they work.

The directive, which was communicated by the Private Security Regulatory Authority on Monday, follows a surge in reported criminal activities in the country including cases of murder on platforms such as Airbnb.

Chief Executive Officer Fazul Mahamed, in a statement, said the directive aims to reduce the number of criminal activities taking place within such premises.

"At the entry of any premises or property within the jurisdiction and care of a private security service provider, a security guard or a security officer, the private security service provider, security guard or officer shall require a person to identify themselves, register the time of entrance and exit of the person and retain temporarily the identification document of such person," Mahamed stated.

Identification of individuals, vehicles, rickshaws, and motorcycles accessing and leaving the premises will be documented by the law.

The authority has further asked the officers to keep a clear register of their co-workers on both day and night shifts.

Mahamed added that security officers should ensure that the CCTV and security cameras in their work premises are always in good condition and updated.

The authority warned that stun action will be taken against any security officer who misuses the document left in their custody.

"A private security service provider who violates Section 48 of the Act, uses the identification documents or details surrendered by individuals at the entry of any premises or property for any other purpose save for identification, and or willfully fails to comply with this directive, commits an offence and shall in addition to the cancellation of licence, be liable on conviction to the penalty prescribed under the aforementioned Act or any other written law whichever is higher," he added.