RIYADH: With the Holy Month of Ramadan approaching fast, the number of beggars in the streets is increasing too, notwithstanding the enormous efforts by the authorities to curb the phenomenon.
Many women, children and also old men are seen seeking alms near traffic signals, shopping malls and ATM kiosks.
Mahmoud Talaat, an IT specialist, said beggars have always interrupted his way from home or to work. “Some of them use small children to gain sympathy of passers-by or motorists.” Motlaq M., a citizen, said this phenomenon is witnessed just before Ramadan and on Eid. It is quite normal to see them at different places pestering people to give alms, he said.
Nagwa Mohamed, a quality consultant, told Arab News that she always sees a beggar at the ATM machine or at markets whenever she wants to buy something. “But what makes us sad is to see a woman approaching cars at traffic signals during rush hours.” A human rights expert said that using small children not only affects the image of the city but also the safety of children.
“Besides, using children for the begging business prevents them from their rights in having a decent home, education and health care.”
Police sources say that begging children try to escape from the security authorities as soon as they see them and this could mean serious road accidents.
Begging increases in the Kingdom during the Haj season and Ramadan as it is customary to give charity during these periods. Under a program launched by the government, expatriates caught begging are deported, while Saudis are sent to rehabilitation centers.
Many women, children and also old men are seen seeking alms near traffic signals, shopping malls and ATM kiosks.
Mahmoud Talaat, an IT specialist, said beggars have always interrupted his way from home or to work. “Some of them use small children to gain sympathy of passers-by or motorists.” Motlaq M., a citizen, said this phenomenon is witnessed just before Ramadan and on Eid. It is quite normal to see them at different places pestering people to give alms, he said.
Nagwa Mohamed, a quality consultant, told Arab News that she always sees a beggar at the ATM machine or at markets whenever she wants to buy something. “But what makes us sad is to see a woman approaching cars at traffic signals during rush hours.” A human rights expert said that using small children not only affects the image of the city but also the safety of children.
“Besides, using children for the begging business prevents them from their rights in having a decent home, education and health care.”
Police sources say that begging children try to escape from the security authorities as soon as they see them and this could mean serious road accidents.
Begging increases in the Kingdom during the Haj season and Ramadan as it is customary to give charity during these periods. Under a program launched by the government, expatriates caught begging are deported, while Saudis are sent to rehabilitation centers.
