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Riyadh: The number of beggars held by Saudi authorities have increased by almost 6,000 in 2007 compared to 2006, according to a new statistics released by Ministry of Social Affairs.
"About 35,160 beggars were nabbed in 2007 by the 12 anti-begging offices all over the kingdom compared to 29,988 in 2006," the ministry's report said.
According to the report, the number of Saudis accounted for 4,952 beggars while the number of non-Saudis reached 30,008 in 2007.
The report said the largest number of beggars, 9,111 in total, held in 2007 were in Jeddah, followed by Riyadh with 9,097 beggars. It said 9,060 of the beggars arrested in Jeddah were expatriates while 7,937 of those arrested in Riyadh were expatriates.
Statistics
In July 2007, a ministry statistics had said 81 per cent of the beggars in the kingdom are expatriates. Their number grew to 24,771 from 15,015 in two years, it said. Saudi beggars also rose 40 per cent from 3,630 to 5,317 in two years, it said.
Giving further breakdown of beggars arrested in 2007, the Ministry of Social Affairs said 3,598 Saudi female beggars were held compared to 1,354 Saudi males, while 9,379 non Saudi females were arrested compared to 20,629 non Saudi male beggars.
Begging increases during Haj and Umrah seasons and during Ramadan.
Statistics published in 2006 found that begging among children was on the rise in Makkah, especially around the Grand Mosque.
Nabbed expatriate beggars are deported while a Saudi beggar is handed over to the offices for combating begging.
Social reasons
Sociologists then study the detainee's case to know his reasons for begging.
If the study shows that the person is needy, he is transferred to charities or to the General Organisation for Social Insurance.
If the Saudi beggar is disabled and nobody is there to take care of him, he is transferred to a social care home.
Report
81% are expats
In July 2007, a ministry statistics said 81 per cent of the beggars in the kingdom are expatriates. Their number grew to 24,771 from 15,015 in two years, it said. Saudi beggars rose 40 per cent from 3,630 to 5,317 in two years, the ministry said.
Giving further breakdown of beggars arrested in the kingdom in 2007, the Ministry of Social Affairs said 3,598 female Saudi beggars were held compared to 1,354 Saudi males, while 9,379 non Saudi females were arrested compared to 20,629 non Saudi male beggars.
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