The Saudi Ministry of Public Security has issued a new warning about the dangers of beggary in the Kingdom as one of the methods of financial fraud and graft.
From its official Twitter account, Saudi Public Security urged people to report those who engage in beggary or support them in any way.
Begging can be reported by dialing 911 in Makkah and Riyadh, and 999 in all other regions of the Kingdom.
- The law against begging stipulates that anyone who engages in beggary incites another, agrees with him or helps him, shall be punished with imprisonment of not more than six months, or a fine of not more than fifty thousand riyals, or both.
Beggars who engage in beggary, manage beggars, incite others, agree with him, or help him in any way within a group of organized beggars will receive a jail term of not more than 1 year, or a fine not exceeding 100,000 riyals, or both.
The same law provides that all cash and in-kind funds that a beggar receives or intends to receive from his beggary will be seized by a court order. In the event that those funds cannot be seized, the court can impose a fine equal to their value with due consideration for good faith.
Beggary through Social Media in Saudi Arabia :
Lawyer Awad Al-Assaf says beggary through social media is punishable by a fine of 100,000 riyals or one year imprisonment. During an interview with Al-Ekhbariya channel he made reference to this, saying, or in the form of modern technology or communication.
Aside from selling handkerchiefs in the street, he also added that helping beggars exposes you to the issue of indirect beggary and penalties.
SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES
