Several rehabilitation programs to help beggars leave the habit and join the society's mainstream are under way. Ministries of Social Affairs and Islamic Affairs have intensified their drive against begging, which, admittedly, is a growing social problem in the Kingdom. “We are trying our best to give people who are caught begging a chance to live as good citizens; and those who are capable of working are provided suitable jobs,” said Ebtisam Bubshait, head of the Directorate of Women Affairs at Ministry of Social Affairs in Eastern Province. According to statistics released by the Ministry of Social Affairs, there were 34,960 known beggars in the Kingdom in 2007, of which 4,952 were Saudis and 30,008 non-Saudis. The non-Saudi beggars were from Africa, Asia and Arab countries. The non-Saudi beggars usually station themselves at traffic intersections, tapping windows of motorists for money. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, through imams of mosques, has also waged a campaign that raises awareness on the damage begging does to the society. Citizens have also been urged to report begging cases in their areas to the Ministry of Social Affairs. The media is also being asked to publicize the ill-effects of begging on the society, Bubshait said. Charitable organizations are also providing support to beggars by giving them jobs and urging them to lead normal life as good citizens. The number of beggars in Eastern Province has increased recently. Most of the beggars are from Africa and Arab countries. Beggars from the region are only a handful, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs. Foreigners caught begging are sent back to their respective countries, while Saudi beggars are referred to the social centers of the Ministry of Social Affairs, and charitable organizations to be rehabilitated and integrated back in the society. Disabled Saudi beggars are transferred to the Ministry of Social Affairs centers where their needs are taken care of. “Though begging is demeaning and frustrating, it is a lesser evil compared to other illegal activities such as drug dealing, theft and prostitution. But it is important to make people aware that begging has to be eradicated from the society by raising understanding of this menace,” Bubshait said. __
