In brief
Criminalises begging as a practice, inciting or organising it by any means, including social media, and sets penalties, deportation of non-Saudis and confiscation of proceeds.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Begging is asking for others' money for nothing, or for something not really intended, in public, in shops, through technology and social media, or by any means (Article 1).
- The Ministry of Interior arrests beggars, and professional beggars are referred for investigation (Articles 2 and 3).
Penalties
- Begging as a practice, or inciting or helping it: up to six months and/or SAR 50,000.
- As part of an organised group or running beggars: up to a year and/or SAR 100,000, doubled for repeat offences (Article 5).
- Non-Saudis are deported after serving the penalty and barred except for Hajj or Umrah (spouses and children of Saudis excepted); proceeds are confiscated (Articles 5 and 6).
Practical tip
- Give through licensed charities and platforms, not to individuals asking for donations on social media.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Who counts as a beggar, including online
- Roles of the authorities
- Penalties and deportation
- Confiscation
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/20 · 9/2/1443H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .