FOI release

Contracted security staff at migrant hotels

Published 3 December 2025

Request

On multiple occasions, I have observed security staff who appear to be working for private contractors, yet they are not displaying their SIA badges and often conceal any form of identification. Their behaviour is frequently aggressive, and they use physical force or intimidation before any verbal communication or explanation is given.

I have also noticed that some of the security officers speak little or no English, which makes it very difficult to engage in any form of conversation or to understand instructions. This language barrier contributes to confusion and increases the risk of unnecessary confrontation.

On one occasion, I visited [location redacted] to use the toilet, unaware that it had been repurposed as migrant accommodation. I had used the facilities there in the past without issue. Upon entering, three security guards approached me aggressively, pushed and surrounded me, and ordered me to leave without any explanation. When I tried to ask for clarification, they told me it was “none of my business” and refused to let me speak to a hotel manager and just covered their faces with masks. As I was leaving, a migrant walked out and elbowed me and shouted at me to “F*** off”. The security staff witnessed this but took no action at all.

I would like to understand whether such conduct — including failure to display badges, physical intimidation, lack of communication, and refusal to intervene in incidents — is acceptable under SIA licensing standards.

As you will be aware, under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and the conditions of an SIA licence, security officers are required to display their licence visibly while on duty and to act professionally, reasonably, and proportionately at all times.

Also they should not be allowed to cover their face unless its for health and safety requirements, religious observance, or extreme weather protection which does not apply here at all.

Could you please confirm:

• what steps the SIA is taking to ensure compliance among contracted security at migrant accommodation hotels?
• whether the SIA has received similar complaints regarding these sites?
• how members of the public can verify the legitimacy of these security operations?
• why some security staff are permitted to cover their faces while on duty?

Response

I confirm that the SIA holds the information.

What steps the SIA is taking to ensure compliance among contracted security at migrant accommodation hotels

The SIA has compliance and inspections teams based and working across the UK, visiting venues that provide and supply licensed security – which includes migrant accommodation hotels. They work with individuals, businesses and venues to ensure that the licensing requirements are met.

The SIA works with police, partner agencies, security providers, buyers and venue owners to understand, identify and successfully mitigate a range of public safety and safeguarding risks.

A pre-requisite to obtaining a qualification to apply for a SIA licence is that all learners should, as a minimum, have language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening equivalent to the following:

• a B2 Level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications
• a B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• an ESOL qualification at (Level 1) on the Ofqual register taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
• an ESOL qualification at Scottish Credit and qualifications Framework Level 5 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and taken in Scotland
• Functional Skills Level 1 in English
• SQA Core Skills in Communication at Scottish Credit and qualifications Framework Level 5
• Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 1

This pre-requisite ensures that individuals applying for an SIA licence possess the necessary level of English to effectively perform the role of a security operative.

Whether the SIA has received similar complaints regarding these sites

During the last 12 months, the SIA received 6,030 intelligence reports, of which 17 reports related to Private Security Industry Act non-compliance at locations being used as migrant hotels across the UK. The majority of these reports were unconfirmed, provided by members of the public or derived from media coverage.

Only 1 report relates to a hotel in the [redacted] area.

The majority of allegations relate to non-display of licences rather than aggressive, intimidating behaviour or physical violence.

How members of the public can verify the legitimacy of these security operations

Members of the public can either contact the venue where security is being provided or the security provider directly (where known) if they have questions about their operations. The SIA does not regulate security businesses.

Why some security staff are permitted to cover their faces while on duty

The workwear/uniform of security operatives is the responsibility of the security provider and purchaser of security services/venue.

Reporting your concerns

If you are concerned about a security company you can submit a report through our Contact Us Form. You can also use this form to report concerns about security operatives:

• having inadequate levels of English proficiency that precludes them from doing their job
• failing to display an SIA licence while working
• behaving in an aggressive and intimidating manner

[Ref: FOI 0576]