Continued security campaigns to eliminate negative phenomena
Saudi security forces continue their tireless efforts to maintain public safety and combat negative phenomena that affect the social fabric. In this context, security patrols announced the successful arrest of five individuals involved in begging in the Riyadh and Al-Jawf regions, as part of the Ministry of Interior's ongoing and intensive campaigns to eradicate this phenomenon completely.
Details of arrests of violators in Riyadh and Al-Jawf
Specifically, security patrols in Riyadh arrested four Yemeni nationals for violating border security regulations after observing them begging and soliciting money from passersby in public places. In a separate operation in the Al-Jawf region, security forces apprehended a Bangladeshi resident for the same offense. All those arrested were immediately detained, and all necessary legal procedures were initiated against them before their referral to the appropriate authorities for the application of the prescribed penalties.
Legal context: The anti-begging system in Saudi Arabia
These strict security measures are based on the recently enacted “Anti-Begging Law” of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which aims to completely eradicate this phenomenon. The law clearly stipulates deterrent penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for anyone who engages in, manages, encourages, or assists in begging. It also includes the deportation of non-Saudis convicted of begging from the Kingdom and a ban on their return, except for performing Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, reflecting the state’s seriousness in addressing this issue.
The importance of directing donations to official platforms
As part of its public awareness efforts, Saudi Public Security reiterated its ongoing call for citizens and residents to direct their charitable donations and contributions through official and approved channels and platforms in the Kingdom. Trusted national platforms such as “Ihsan” and “Farajet,” among others, stand out as secure channels that ensure donations reach their intended beneficiaries with complete transparency and reliability, thus thwarting fraudsters and networks that exploit people's emotions to collect funds illegally.
The security and economic impact of combating begging
The importance of these security campaigns extends beyond mere law enforcement, encompassing the protection of the national economy and national security. Random begging can be a front for funding dubious or unknown entities. Locally, these efforts contribute to clearing the streets of negative phenomena and directing Zakat and Sadaqah funds to their proper channels, serving genuine social development. Regionally and internationally, these measures reflect the Kingdom's commitment to applying the highest standards of financial transparency and combating money laundering, emphasizing that the awareness of citizens and residents is the first line of defense, while stressing the importance of reporting beggars through the designated security numbers.
