Home News Saudi Arabia Enforces 50,000 Riyal Fine, 6-Month Jail for Professional Begging

News

1 minute read

Saudi Arabia Enforces 50,000 Riyal Fine, 6-Month Jail for Professional Begging

January 3, 2026

New legislation imposes imprisonment and substantial fines on anyone making begging a profession, inciting others to beg, or assisting in such activities.

Select Language:

Key Takeaways

Professional begging now carries up to 6 months imprisonment in Saudi Arabia
Fines can reach 50,000 Saudi Riyals for related offenses
Law targets those who make begging a profession or assist others in doing so

Saudi Arabia has implemented strict new measures against professional begging, with legislation prescribing imprisonment for up to six months and fines reaching 50,000 Saudi Riyals for violations.

The law targets not only those who make begging a profession but also anyone who incites, agrees with, or assists others in such activities.

According to the published legislation, “Whoever makes begging a profession or incites another thereto or agrees with him or assists him—in any manner whatsoever—in making begging a profession shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months or by a fine of up to 50,000 Saudi Riyals or by both.”

Kingdom’s strongest measures against organized begging networks, which often exploit vulnerable individuals including children, the elderly, and foreign residents.

Authorities have noted that professional begging frequently involves deception, coercion, and contradicts Islamic principles that encourage legitimate charity (zakat and sadaqah) through proper channels.

Scope of the Anti-Begging Law

Primary Offense: Making begging a profession
Secondary Offenses: Inciting others to beg, agreeing with beggars, or assisting them in professional begging
Penalties: Up to six months imprisonment, 50,000 Riyal fine, or both
Enforcement: Applies to all individuals within Saudi territory regardless of nationality

Authorities emphasize the importance of contributing to legitimate charitable organizations rather than giving directly to street beggars, many of whom may be part of organized criminal operations.