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29 March 2024

Federal law proposes Dh10k fine, jail for begging

Picture used for illustrative purposes only. (FILE)

Published
By Eman Al Baik

The UAE is preparing to issue a federal law to tackle begging that will introduce stricter penalties and give authorities legal power to control the menace.

This was revealed by Brigadier Khamis Mattar Al Muzainah, Acting Chief Deputy Chief of Dubai Police, while announcing a month-long campaign to be organised by the force seeking public support to fight begging during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The campaign is titled “Fight Begging”.
 
He said the draft law, which was proposed by Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior, is currently with the Ministry of Justice. It will have to go through legislative channels for endorsement and issuance.
 
Revealing some of the features of the draft, Brig. Al Muzainah said those caught for begging will get jail terms of not more than three months and a fine of Dh10,000 or any one of the two penalties and deportation.
 
The draft law is also aimed at giving authorities power to confiscate money found with beggars, he said, adding: “This article was proposed as some beggars were doing business and had bank accounts.”
 
If the beggar is an Emirati, apart from imprisonment he/she will have to join a rehabilitation programme.
 
A person who exploits or prepares a child for the purpose of begging will also be penalised under the draft law.
 
If a person is caught for a second time for begging, stiffer penalties will be applied, he said.
 
Brig Al Muzainah said currently there is no federal law and each emirate has its own local orders for fighting the menace. Besides, authorities do not have power to seize the money found in possession of beggars.
 
Dubai Police are taking fingerprints and making criminal records of beggars prior to their deportation. This has been done to stop beggars from re-entering the country using forged passports or other documents.
 
Dubai’s local order No43 of 1989 stipulates deportation of expat beggars if they haven’t committed any other crimes.
 
In case of illegal entry, using forged documents or impersonation, legal action will be taken, said Brig Al Muzainah.
 
For Emirati beggars, if any, legal procedures are initiated. The penalty for Emirati beggars ranges between 15 days and a month’s jail term and a fine of Dh3,000.
 
Should the beggar have a genuine disability, the jail term will not exceed 15 days and the fine Dh1,500. Action is taken against Emiratis because they could approach charity organisations to meet their needs instead of begging.