Riyadh: Within the framework of a national approach based on strategic planning and institutional integration, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen community security and safeguard its development gains. This direction aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the quality of life and community protection across various policies and programs. From this perspective, government service and security agencies pay close attention to factors affecting the safety of citizens and residents through an integrated system focused on monitoring and proactively addressing negative phenomena, while developing effective regulatory solutions. Government sectors concerned with the welfare, security, and the quality of life of citizens and residents are working to develop effective solutions to address challenges and negative practices that may hinder development goals. According to Saudi Press Agency, this is achieved through comprehensive strategic plans implemented jointly by relevant state instituti ons, alongside awareness initiatives targeting all segments of society to highlight the seriousness of such phenomena and encourage cooperation with competent authorities to combat them. Begging is among the most prominent practices threatening community security and often increases during the holy month of Ramadan, particularly as the spirit of solidarity and charitable giving intensifies. Saudi society is widely known for its generosity and solidarity, values that have long characterized its communities. However, such goodwill can be exploited by unscrupulous individuals who engage in begging and manipulate public compassion. Some beggars take advantage of various locations to solicit alms, including traffic lights, mosques, gas stations, markets, and shopping malls, particularly during peak hours. They employ both traditional and modern methods to appeal to the public's sympathy. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, through its general directorate for anti-begging, continues to conduct awareness campaigns throughout the year in cooperation with security authorities. These efforts intensify during seasons when the number of beggars increases. Public awareness and cooperation are considered key factors in achieving the goal of protecting community security and property. The initiatives are carried out in accordance with directives from the Kingdom's leadership to combat begging and penalize those who practice, organize, or facilitate it, in addition to enforcing relevant regulatory measures. Raising public awareness about the seriousness of the phenomenon remains central to reducing its spread. The dangers of begging extend beyond social concerns and may be linked to other crimes, including human trafficking, child labor, theft, drug trafficking, money laundering, and the presence of undocumented workers. Citizens and residents share responsibility as partners with authorities in protecting community security by reporting violations related to begging, the employment or sheltering of illegal workers, and unauthorized street vending. The ministry coordinates awareness and educational initiatives with relevant authorities through multiple communication platforms to reach all segments of society. It encourages the public to report begging cases by calling 911 in the regions of Riyadh, Makkah, Eastern Region, and Madinah, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. The ministry works to guide Saudi individuals involved in begging toward available support services and assistance programs provided by government institutions, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, while raising awareness of the psychological, social, economic, and security risks associated with begging. Article Five of the Anti-Begging Law stipulates that anyone who engages in begging, incites others to beg, conspires with them, or assists them in any way may face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to SAR 50,000, or both. Those who manage organized begging activities, incite others to participate, or assist such activi ties as part of a group may face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to SAR100,000, or both. The executive regulations of the Anti-Begging Law assign responsibilities to several government entities. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development oversees public awareness campaigns and coordination with relevant authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for informing foreign visitors before entering the Kingdom about the prohibition of begging and related penalties. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is tasked with encouraging imams to advise beggars, prevent begging inside mosques, and explain the legal consequences of the practice. The Ministry of Media works to intensify public awareness campaigns highlighting the social, psychological, and economic harms of begging through traditional and digital media channels. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education incorporates educational content into curricula to highlight the dangers of the phenomenon and its negativ e impact on individuals and society. The ministry coordinates with several government entities through partnerships and agreements. Cooperation with the Ministry of Sport aims to use sports facilities and events to promote awareness of the harms of begging and deliver educational messages. Coordination is underway with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing to raise awareness among sanitation workers about the penalties for begging and with the Ministry of Health to highlight the health and psychological risks associated with the practice. In partnership with relevant government entities, the ministry uses its media programs and social-media platforms to promote awareness about proper donation practices and encourage charitable contributions through official and approved channels, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need. Among the official platforms for donations are the Ehsan Platform, National Donation Platform, Furijat Platform, Jood Housing Platform (Jood Eskan), Sahem Platform, and Tarah um Platform, all of which enable individuals to support those in need through reliable and organized mechanisms.
Sunday, April 26, 2026