Saudi Arabia: 14 arrested in Riyadh for exploiting 27 children in organised begging operation
Law imposes up to SR100,000 fine for those involved in organised begging
Dubai: Fourteen Yemeni nationals have been arrested in Riyadh for forcing 27 children of their own nationality into begging on public roads and in city squares.
The arrests were made as part of a security crackdown led by Riyadh police in coordination with the General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes, which aims to combat organized begging in the capital.
The detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution after legal procedures were completed.
Meanwhile, authorities are working with relevant agencies to ensure that the exploited children receive proper care and support, officials said.
Saudi law criminalises begging and imposes severe penalties on those who engage in or facilitate the practice.
Under the Anti-Begging Law, individuals convicted of managing, encouraging, or participating in organized begging operations face up to one year in prison and a fine of SR100,000.
Those who help or abet beggary may be sentenced to six months in jail or fined up to SR50,000 ($13,330), or both.
Non-Saudis convicted under the law are subject to deportation following the completion of their sentence and payment of fines, with a ban on returning for work in the Kingdom. However, exemptions apply to non-Saudi spouses and children of Saudi nationals.
