Muscat – The number of beggars registered in the first nine months of 2021 dropped significantly but the illegal activity continues, picking up during Ramadan.

The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) cooperates with government agencies, including the Ministry of Labour, Royal Oman Police and the Public Prosecution to combat begging.

MoSD’s anti-begging teams arrested 109 beggars in the first nine months of 2021, 641 in 2020, 1,814 in 2019, 1,678 in 2018 and 1,152 in 2017.

Dr Ahmed Said al Jahwari, a legal consultant, described begging as a ‘social phenomena widespread in society’.

“Unfortunately, some people beg in public places like commercial centres or in front of mosques. Some have also resorted to using social networking sites, taking advantage of the sentiments and emotions of kind and generous people,” said Jahwari.

According to Jahwari, begging may lead to other crimes more harmful to society, including burglary and peddling drug. “So it’s important to combat and eliminate this activity completely. The exploitation of children for begging is common. It is a painful scene when a small child holds out a hand for money, not to forget the psychological damage it does for the child. The natural and safe place for the child is home and school, not the streets.”

Salalah resident Khalid al Shanfari said, “Begging has become a widespread. Not only in markets, beggars are now also going to peoples homes.”

Another citizen, Rashad al Junaibi said, “Tackling this social menace requires the cooperation of all by reporting anyone found begging, because it is an immoral and uncivilised act and is against the law.”

Seeb resident Zomorda al Mamari attributed the increased visibility of beggars during Ramadan to ‘exploitation of charitable sentiments’. “The spirit of giving is prevalent during the month when Muslims perform acts of kindness. Giving money is the simplest form of charity. Some people take advantage of the holy month and beg. Some even use children to beg.”

Ahmed al Shanfari reported sighting several beggars of Arab nationalities in markets in Salalah. “They use their children for begging. This menace requires immediate and strict measures.”

Salim Kashoub noted that begging has become widespread not only in Salalah but in many other wilayats in Dhofar. “I hope the competent authorities stop this illegal activity.”

Calling the act of begging ‘immoral and criminal’, Jahwari said, “A person must strive hard in order to secure a source of livelihood and earn his living in a legitimate way.”

He added that the law stipulates that anyone found begging in a public or private place will face imprisonment of not less than two months and not exceeding a year. Offenders can also be fined not less than RO50 and up to RO100. Expats caught begging are deported.

“Repeat offenders will be imprisoned for a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years. Anyone found engaging children for begging will face imprisonment of not less than three months and not more than three years,” Jahwari said. “A beggar is exempted from punishment if it is proved that he was forced or is unable to earn and has no other source of livelihood.”

Meanwhile, Royal Oman police urged citizens and residents to avoid engaging with beggars in order to prevent the practice as it is against the law.