Saudi: Despite laws, begging on the rise

JEDDAH - The number of beggars in the country exceeds the estimated figure of 150,000 quoted by government statistics, researchers say. “The number of beggars is much higher than what the latest statistics indicate. More than 87 percent of the beggars are foreigners who come from neighboring countries in the south and the north,” one researcher told Arab News Wednesday. He did not want his name to be published. He said this was despite the fact that border guards and police along the southern border are constantly trying to stop large numbers of infiltrators who enter the Kingdom with the sole purpose of begging during the peak seasons of Ramadan and Haj. Arab News has noted growing numbers of beggars along the streets of Jeddah, especially at traffic signals, near malls and entertainment centers. The majority of the beggars hailing from neighboring countries consist not only of old men, women and children but also young men who are strong and able to work. Another remarkable feature is that begging continues throughout the day and night. Even women and young children stay till the early hours. Beggars have also returned in hordes to mosques after their numbers dropping sharply a few months ago following a circular by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance to imams asking them to help curb begging. Full Story>>
Saudi: Despite laws, begging on the rise  http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article475414.ece