General Sami Al-Shuwairekh, spokesman for Public Security, said beggars will be tracked down and arrested using social media.

Akhbar 24 reported that security authorities would monitor beggary in all its forms and manifestations through all available means, including social media.

Al-Shuwairekh urged all citizens and residents to give their charity and alms through the approved platforms, which ensure their delivery to the needy. He urged the public not to encourage beggary.

As of Tuesday, the security authorities began strictly enforcing the Anti-Begging Law by arresting anyone found begging. The new Anti-Beggary Law approved by the Council of Ministers imposes a maximum jail term of one year and a fine of SR100,000.

Penalties are stipulated in the fifth article of the law for those who engage in begging. Additionally, all forms of begging on social media platforms are illegal. The penalty for online begging, regardless of the reason, is up to 6 months in prison and a fine of SR50,000.

Penalties are imposed by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. If they serve their jail term and pay the fine, non-Saudi beggars are deported. They will not be permitted to work in the Kingdom again. Saudi nationals and their spouses and children who are non-Saudi beggars will not be deported.