Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated that the government is ready to assist private security firms to further professionalize their services. 

At the opening ceremony of the Safety and Security Conference Maldives 2026, organized by Maldives Association of Fire Security and Safety Industry (MAFSSI), Minister Ihusan said that private security personnel are leading partners in the Maldives' tourism industry and other sectors. He recognized that these private security personnel are often the first responders when an incident occurs, and as such must be accepted as serving an important role in the national safety and security structure.

"What needs to come alongside this acceptance is professionalism. We must give them robust training. We must set clear standards to gauge competence and determine disciplinary standards," Ihusan stated. 

He further stressed that a certification system for private security personnel also needs to be established, as well as further avenues for career progression. 

"It gives me joy to see the Maldives Association of Fire Security and Safety Industry (MAFSSI) working to instill professionalism in the private security. Today, I give you my assurance that we will support you in those efforts," he pledged. 

Ihusan reiterated that the government will work closely with MAFSSI and other partners to promote professional in the private security sector. 

The objective of these efforts is to improve public perception of the sector, and to establish it as a professional, appropriately trained, well-regulated, accountable service. Making it a sector with clear paths for career progression is also vital, he added. 

"This is especially important for the tourism sector. An appropriately trained security officer must not be someone who just stands guard outside a door. They must be trained in emergency response," Ihusan said. 

Private security personnel must be trained to evacuate people safely in emergency situations, he added.