General requirements for international security guards
International Security Employment refers to the hiring of qualified security guards to work overseas. The
concept is similar to the other overseas contracting jobs, only that this involves a more serious and sensitive function of security work
abroad.
International security jobs, being an international career, vary on specific requirements. There are countries that have stiffer laws on
employment and require a strict compliance of a number of requirements and tests. In fact, some countries do not even allow foreign nationals to
perform this function, or what we so called international security guards, due to some legal constraints in possessing and carrying firearms.
Some countries, on the other hand, are more lenient and allow international security guards to work upon acquiescence of general
requirements.
Overseas security jobs, just like any other professional occupation, admit general requirements. Some of the following general requirements
that must be complied with before applicants may be accepted for security jobs abroad are as follows, to wit:
Overseas Employment Contract
One of the basic requirements is the employment contract prepared by the employer. It is an
agreement or a meeting of minds of the employer and the prospective employee, admitting the latter for a job overseas. This employment contract
is a vital tool in securing a working permit from the country he is engaged to work.
Working Permit or License
A vital requirement in working abroad in almost all countries is the working permit. Others may refer to it as a working visa. It is a legal
authorization given a non-citizen or an alien worker, from the country to which he desires to work. It is based upon the candidate having an
offer in place. Generally, the applicant must also be sponsored by a company hiring the applicant.
Security License
This is a license commonly known as a “guard card.” This card represents the capacity of the security guard to perform the duties and
responsibilities and his fitness to hold such function.
Secondary Education
Another basic requirement is a secondary education attainment. Generally, a security guard must have finished high school education.
Pass Classroom Training
This training requirement may either be one-day training, or any number of subjects related to the job, such as property law, emergency
protocols, and proper handling of suspected criminals.
Age of Majority
As a general rule, security guards must at the least be eighteen years of age. The rationality behind the rule is in order for the security guard
to do acts with legal effects. It is a well-entrenched knowledge that a minor, any person of age below eighteen years, have no legal capacity,
and cannot perform acts with legal effects. It is with the exception of other countries admitting a different age for majority.
Background Check
The most important requirement as far as security guard hiring is concerned is conducting a background check. It is a process of gathering data
through intensive screening of the applicant’s basic personal information, employment history, as well as criminal and medical records.
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