In a recent development, two Indian nationals have been arrested for engaging in begging activities in Saudi Arabia, according to a video shared by the Saudi General Directorate of Public Security on X (formerly Twitter). The two men were captured in separate incidents, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the authorities to curb begging in the Kingdom.
The Saudi authorities, known for their strict stance on public order and social norms, have been intensifying their crackdown on individuals involved in begging, particularly in busy areas such as traffic signals and public spaces. The arrests were part of a larger effort by the Directorate to maintain public safety and discourage activities that are seen as a violation of local laws.
The Arrests and Public Security Efforts
The first of the two arrested men was caught in the act of begging near a busy traffic signal. The individual, after being spotted by authorities, attempted to flee the scene, but was quickly apprehended by the police. The footage shared by the Directorate shows the man attempting to escape, but ultimately being detained.
The second Indian national was arrested for a different form of begging. He was observed washing vehicle windows at a traffic stop and accepting money from drivers. This type of begging, which has become more common in certain parts of the Kingdom, involves individuals performing minor services in exchange for money, often without permission from authorities. Saudi officials have made it clear that such practices are illegal and will be punished.
Increasing Crackdown on Begging in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has long had a policy of cracking down on begging, which is viewed as a form of social disorder and a violation of public decorum. The country’s authorities have enacted various measures to discourage begging, including fines and arrests, and have called on citizens and residents to report such activities to the police.
The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security has urged the public to help in the fight against begging by reporting any suspicious activity. Citizens are encouraged to call emergency numbers—911 in Makkah and Riyadh, and 999 in all other regions—if they observe anyone engaging in begging or assisting beggars.
This latest crackdown also included the arrest of a Bangladeshi national, who was caught begging inside a mosque, which is another venue where begging has occasionally been reported despite being prohibited by religious and government authorities.
Urging Public Cooperation
In an effort to ensure the success of their anti-begging campaign, the Saudi authorities have emphasised the importance of public cooperation. The call to action was made clear in their recent statement, asking people to report beggars without hesitation. The authorities aim to ensure that the streets and public spaces in the Kingdom remain orderly and free of illegal activities.
Despite these efforts, begging remains a persistent issue in many urban centres around the world, including Saudi Arabia. However, the Kingdom’s strict measures and active enforcement continue to make it one of the countries with the lowest rates of public begging.
Global Impact of Begging Bans
While Saudi Arabia’s approach to begging is seen as harsh by some, it reflects a broader trend in the Gulf region, where laws and policies are often implemented to maintain social harmony and public order. The Kingdom, like other Gulf states, has a robust legal framework governing public behaviour, and violations of these laws can lead to significant consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
The crackdown in Saudi Arabia also highlights the challenges that many migrant workers face in the region. Many individuals resort to begging as a means of survival, often due to economic hardship or a lack of proper documentation. This issue, while difficult to address, is one that continues to draw attention from human rights organisations and other advocacy groups.
In the case of the two Indian nationals, their arrests may serve as a reminder of the potential consequences for those involved in begging or similar activities. The Saudi authorities have indicated that they will continue to target individuals engaged in begging, regardless of their nationality, and will take swift action to remove them from the streets.
