JEDDAH — The security authorities in Jeddah arrested a number of Yemeni nationals, who were part of a gang engaged in making money by exploiting physically disabled children for begging. They used a popular residential house as their hideout to manage the beggary operations by exploiting children with physical disabilities to beg in front of public places, especially mosques and shops. The Public Security sources said that the arrested persons confessed to their crime of engaging in begging with pre-meditated planning, and that they used to disperse children in public places to practice beggary and later collect the money from them. The sources indicated that preliminary investigation procedures are being completed against those arrested before referring them to the Public Prosecution. Saudi Arabia has banned beggary in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its justifications. According to the provisions of the Anti-Beggary Law, whoever engages in begging or incites, agrees with, or assists others to practice beggary will be awarded with penalties, including jail term of not more than six months, or a fine not exceeding SR50,000, or of both. The law stipulates stringent penalties against organized beggary. Those, who engage in begging within an organized group that practices begging, will be punished with jail term of not more than one year, or a fine not exceeding SR100000 or of both. All non-Saudis who have been punished for beggary will be deported from the Kingdom after serving the jail term and payment of fine. There will be an exemption for the wife of a Saudi or husband of a Saudi woman or her children from deportation. The deportee will be prevented from returning to the Kingdom, except for performing Hajj or Umrah. There is a provision in the law to double the penalty in the event of repeating the crime. The Public Security spokesman said that the security authorities would continue their efforts in combating beggary by carrying out their inspection tours in all regions of the Kingdom. He called on all citizens and expatriates to give their donations only through the legitimate outlets so as to ensure that they reach the needy people. The public also urged to report about beggars through contacting over the toll free number 911 in the regions of Makkah and Riyadh, and 999 in all other regions of the Kingdom.
