Saudi Arabia's Public Security Directorate has reiterated its strong warnings against begging, emphasizing its determination to enforce legal penalties against anyone found to be engaging in or inciting begging. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts by security authorities to eradicate this negative phenomenon, which detracts from the civilized image of society and exploits the compassion of benefactors.
Details of penalties: imprisonment and fine
Public Security, through its awareness campaigns under the hashtags #DontGiveThemAnd #TogetherWeFightBegging, clarified that the law does not tolerate violators. Regulations stipulate that anyone who engages in begging, incites others to beg, conspires with them, or provides them with any form of assistance, will be punished with imprisonment for up to six months , a fine of up to 50,000 riyals , or both. These severe penalties aim to deter networks that may manage organized begging operations and exploit vulnerable groups.
The legal and social context for combating begging
This measure is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather is based on the anti-begging system approved by the Saudi Council of Ministers, which aims to protect society from the security, social, and economic risks associated with this phenomenon. Authorities view begging not merely as a form of poverty, but as a practice that may be linked to other crimes such as child exploitation, human trafficking, and collecting funds for unknown entities. Through these regulations, the Kingdom seeks to direct charitable donations and contributions to official and trusted channels, such as the "Ihsan" platform and licensed charitable organizations, to ensure that aid reaches those who truly need it.
The importance and impact of combating begging
Anti-begging campaigns are of paramount importance on both the local and security levels. Socially, eliminating begging helps protect children and women from exploitation on the streets. From a security perspective, it cuts off any illicit funding that might result from money collected from unknown sources. Furthermore, it enhances the Kingdom's civilized image, particularly in areas with high visitor and pilgrim populations such as Mecca and Medina.
How to report and participate in the community
Public Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate and refrain from sympathizing with beggars, emphasizing that reporting is the first step in combating begging. Cases of begging can be reported confidentially and reliably through the following channels:
- Call 911 in the following areas: Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
- Call 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.
Security authorities confirmed that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality without any legal responsibility falling on the informant, which enhances the role of community partnership in maintaining security and order.
