Madam Speaker, by virtue of Section 8 (1) of the Private Security Service Act 2004, “a licence or certificate granted under this Act shall, subject to subsection (2), be valid for a period of one year.” Subsection 2 provides that “where a licensee or the holder of a certificate wishes to renew the licence or certificate, he shall apply to the Commissioner of Police for renewal in such form as may be approved by the latter, not later than 21 days before the expiry of the licence or certificate.” Madam Speaker, as regards part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that – (a) as at 14 May 2026, there were 46 registered holders of Private Security Service Provider Licence, out of which 31 were renewed licences and 15 were for new licences; (b) over the past five years, that is, from January 2020 to 14 May 2026, there were in all 28 applications submitted before November 2024 which were kept in abeyance by the former Commissioner of Police. According to the present Commissioner of Police, these pending applications cannot be considered due to long lapse of time, that is, from the dates of the application. The concerned applicants have been informed that they have to submit fresh applications. (c) since November 2024 to 14 May 2026, 11 applications were submitted, out of which three have been approved and licences have been issued, and the remaining eight are under process. Madam Speaker, Police have to ascertain that Private Security Service Provider Licence is issued to the right person who is expected to ensure the safety and security of people and property. Therefore, the determination of applications for Private Security Service Provider Licence warrants rigorous and strict compliance with the criteria set out under Section 4 of the Act which includes, inter alia, that – (i) the applicant for a Private Security Service Provider Licence is required to publish a notice in the gazette for three consecutive days. Members of the public have 21 days to lodge any objection thereto; (ii) the Commissioner of Police has to carry out investigation with regard to the application as well as to ascertain that the applicant is a fit and proper person; (iii) the applicant has to be trained in a recognised training institution with respect to security services; (iv) the Commissioner of Police has to ensure that the applicant has adequate facilities to operate the private security service, and (v) upon approval, the applicant is required to furnish to the Accountant General a bank guarantee of Rs3 million. Though the procedures are lengthy, and I agree, they are lengthy, applications for licences have to be determined within a reasonable timeframe.

Yes, are you alright? Yes. Hon. Second Member for Flacq and Bon Accueil! He is not here. Yes, he is not in Mauritius. Okay. Dr. Aumeer, Third Member for Port Louis South! FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS – INFLOWS 2023-2025 – INCENTIVE MEASURES