A number of expatriates and violators have been arrested in Makkah for begging, including at the Grand Mosque.

Authorities stated that two people had been arrested for begging at the Grand Mosque, one was of Indian nationality and was begging in the courtyards of the mosque, and the other was a Moroccan national begging right next to the mosque.

Additionally, Saudi authorities arrested a Yemeni national who used stretchers to trick people into thinking he was disabled and begging for money. Another parent has been caught exploiting his son as a beggar by placing him in a wheelchair, but the authorities discover that the child is in excellent health.

- Public Security reiterated its warning against begging as a crime punishable by law. The Kingdom has instituted strict sanctions against begging.

Public Security in Saudi Arabia reminded everyone of the procedure for reporting beggars, which is to call 911 in Makkah and Riyadh, and 999 in all other regions of the Kingdom.

It falls within the framework of the Public Security's continuing efforts to combat beggars, warn against beggars, and raise awareness not to sympathize with them, in accordance with the relevant regulations in this regard.

As per the anti-begging law of Saudi Arabia, anyone who engages in begging, incites another, agrees with him or helps him to practice beggar is subject to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding 50,000 riyals, or both.

The person who engages in beggary, manages beggars, incites others, or helps him in any way within an organized group that engages in beggary, shall also be punished with a jail term of not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 100,000 riyals, or both.

All cash and in-kind funds that the beggar gets from his beggary, or that would be used in it, will be seized by the court. If funds cannot be seized, the competent court imposes a fine equivalent to their value, keeping in mind the rights of good faith.

SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES