In Jeddah, security authorities arrested a number of Yemeni nationals involved in a gang that exploited physically disabled children for begging.

By exploiting children with physical disabilities to beg in front of mosques and shops, they managed the beggary operations from a popular residential house.

They confessed to premeditated beggary and dispersed children in public places to practice beggary and then collected money from them, according to Public Security sources.

Before referring those arrested to the Public Prosecution, preliminary investigation procedures are being completed.

Beggary has been banned in Saudi Arabia in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its justifications. Under the Anti-Beggary Law, anyone who engages in begging or incites, agrees, or assists others in beggary will be punished with a jail term of not more than six months, or a fine not exceeding SR50,000, or both.

Organizing beggars is punishable by law. An organized group that practices begging will be punished with a jail term of not more than one year, or with a fine not exceeding SR100000, or with both.

Non-Saudis punished for beggary will be deported from the Kingdom after serving their jail term and paying their fine. Deportation will not be applicable to the wife or husband of a Saudi woman or her children. Except for performing Hajj or Umrah, the deportee will not be allowed to return to the Kingdom. If the crime is repeated, the penalty is doubled.

A Public Security spokesman said that the security authorities would continue their inspection tours in all regions of the Kingdom in order to combat beggary. In order to ensure that donations reach the needy people, he urged all citizens and expatriates to give only through legitimate outlets.

Additionally, the public was urged to report beggars by calling 911 in Makkah and Riyadh, and 999 in all other regions.