RIYADH — The number of beggars in the Kingdom is increasing in line with the number of expatriates with iqamas (residence permits), Al-Madinah newspaper reported.
A Ministry of Social Affairs report revealed legally resident expatriates are begging on the streets. Around 77 percent of them are men.
In comparison, women and children make up 52 percent of Saudi beggars.
Beggars who have been arrested come from various areas of the Kingdom.
Around 50 percent of them were in Makkah province, 37 percent in Riyadh, 6 percent in Asir, 4 percent in Madinah, 1 percent in the Eastern Province, 1 percent in Qassim, and 1 percent in Hail and Tabuk together.
The ministry confirmed that anti-beggary directorates are handling Saudi beggars by investigating their situations and referring them to the appropriate authorities for aid and support.
On the other hand, non-Saudi beggars are being dealt with by the security authorities.
The report, which was presented to the Shoura Council, stated that 1,403 Saudi beggars signed binding agreements not to beg again.
A total of 134 Saudi beggars were referred to social insurance authorities while 61 were referred to security authorities.
Another 196 were referred to charity organizations, 50 were referred to the Labor Office, while four were taken into social care.
A total of 28 Saudi beggars were referred to protection homes and 99 were referred to other directorates.
Meanwhile, the ministry pointed out that there is no single designated authority for productive families and handcrafts businesses in the Kingdom.
They are currently enlisted under the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and other associations.
