JEDDAH, 16 October 2003 — Jeddah citizens have called for more effective measures to deal with the growing problem of beggars in the city. The feeling is that more severe punishments should be meted out, including the confiscation of all money found with the offenders.
Fahda Sheikh said that it is annoying to be followed around when leaving or entering restaurants, shops or other public places. Furthermore, she added that it is also inconvenient and dangerous, especially if one has her children with them.
Rings of organized beggars have spread and can be seen all over the city.
Amr Al-Ali recalled seeing groups of beggars being picked up by minibuses early in the morning and late in the evening. The groups consist of foreigners selling various items plus some physically deformed adults.
Al-Ali said that beggars are troublesome to him; as he leaves the mosque they approach him with documents explaining their “misfortune” and the reasons why they need money. The present system, he complained, does not fulfill its purpose of eliminating the problem.
Shaker Al-Hathly said that the problem had caused people to become suspicious and hesitant in responding to those who are genuinely in need. He said that begging had become a profession which brings in huge profits because of people’s goodness and generosity.
The anti-begging department should adopt and enforce severe punishments in order to clear the streets, said Adel Al-Qurashi. He added that beggars are found everywhere — in mosques, shops and even at traffic lights.
When officials at the department were contacted, they replied that an intensive anti-begging campaign, including severe punishments, would be implemented before Ramadan.
