Dh100,000 fine, jail for organised begging

Public Prosecution explains penalties through its social media channels

The UAE Public Prosecution explained through a post on its social media accounts the penalties for organised begging.

The Public Prosecution noted that, according to Articles 476 and 477 of Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 issuing the Law on Crimes and Penalties, begging by an organised group of two or more persons, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than six months and a fine of not less than Dh100,000. The same penalty shall be imposed on anyone who brings people into the country for organised begging.

Anyone who participates in organised begging shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three months and a fine of not less than Dh5,000, or one of these two penalties.

It shall be considered an aggravating circumstance if the perpetrator of organised begging is a guardian, trustee, or responsible for observing or caring for the beggar, or has direct authority over him.

These posts are part of the Public Prosecution’s continuous efforts to promote legal culture among members of the community and increase their awareness about the latest legislations in the country.

Public warning

Recently, Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution had warned about beggars using social media and online platforms to acquire huge sums of money that far exceed what they can typically collect by begging in person at mosques, markets, and on the street, especially during Ramadan and holidays.

Beggars are using various tactics such as sending text messages, sharing humanitarian pictures, fabricating stories about helping orphans, providing medical treatment, or building mosques and schools in poor countries to entice people to send money.