Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has renewed its call to report incidents of begging across the country, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
The ministry urges people to report such instances if they see them on the streets of Qatar, stressing that it is against the law and a "bad habit rejected by religion and society."
"Begging is an uncivilized behaviour. Help us by reporting begging incidents," MoI announced on social media.
To report, contact the Anti-Begging section through the Metrash2 app (Communicate with Us) or by calling the following numbers: 2347444 / 33618627.
The Ministry recently said that begging becomes more prevalent during Ramadan and has reminded the public that any kind of Zakat or donation should be made only through approved charitable organizations, who are permitted to distribute them to the most deserving sectors of the community.
Begging is a bad habit rejected by both religion and society. Help report begging incidents in Qatar.
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) March 21, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/g0ELdWi0BV#Qatar #Doha #MOIQatar #Ramadan pic.twitter.com/SHeqDJJjMa
Throughout the holy month, the Anti-Begging Section of the Criminal Investigation Department conducts drives to round up beggars who prey on people's compassion in order to defraud them.
In a previous report, First Lieutenant Fahad Jassim Al-Mansoori of the Ministry of Interior's Criminal Investigation Department revealed that some people arrived in Qatar for the sole purpose of begging.
“You have a person who might be self-sufficient; they come to the country and take advantage of people’s emotions,” said Al-Mansoori.
The ministry official added that "beggars try to prey on people’s emotions by using children, fake medical reports, and even fake injuries."
Qatar’s Article 1 of Law No. 28 of 2006 states that: "Whoever begs in roads or public places, leads or encourages minors to beg shall be punished with imprisonment for a term up to one year. Or, in lieu of the said penalty, the beggar can be housed in one of the correction facilities made for this purpose. In all cases, the money resulting from the offence shall be confiscated and a judgment of the stipulated penalty issued."
