MINA: Beggars, especially those from African countries, use their deformities to beg from the pilgrims who are always ready to give seeking Allah’s reward in these blessed days. They have organized themselves in long queues which gives the impression that this not just a random work but a planned one.

Near Jamrat Bridge in Mina at least 30 men and women were seen extending their hands to the pilgrims asking charity. Every one of them had a deformity of one kind or other. They included the blind, the handicapped and young women carrying their young babies.

Beggars, especially those from sub-Saharan Africa, prefer to use their deformities to gain the sympathy of others while beggars coming from North African countries ask for money to buy medicines or food. Beggars from Middle Eastern countries tend to tell dramatic stories about losing their belongings, including their passport, tickets and money.

The anti-beggary office in Makkah is continuously asking citizens and expatriates not to give money to these beggars. The office organizes periodic campaigns to round up these people but it seems no one cares.

Beggars are seen almost everywhere in the holy sites and they employ various tactics to gain sympathy of unsuspecting pilgrims.