Muscat: The Public Prosecution has warned that begging at mosques, roads, stores, and public areas is a behavior frowned upon by society and an offense punishable by law.
It added that using a minor or handing him to another person with the intent to beg is a crime punishable by a fine of RO100, and imprisonment of three years. The sentence is doubled if the offender is the minor's guardian, trustee, or a person entrusted to his or her care or supervision.
It may be noted that some instances of begging have been reported from parts of the country during Ramadhan and examples include individuals approaching vehicle owners in parking areas near mosques, supermarkets, and hypermarkets.
"Individual generally approaches people asking for some small amounts like RO1 or more as they have been fasting and have no money to buy food for themselves and their families," said a citizen, who encountered such situations twice this Ramadhan, including near a mosque.
As per Chapter 3, Article 297 of the Oman Penal Code states that whoever is found begging in public or private mosques, roads, places, or venues, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period no less than a month and not exceeding a year, and a fine no less than RO50 and not exceeding RO100, or one of those two punishments.
The court may confiscate funds in his possession at the time of his arrest.
If the convict repeats the begging, he shall be punished by imprisonment for a period no less than six months and not exceeding two years.
Whoever establishes that he begged out of necessity, or that he is incapable of earning and has no other source of income, shall be exempt from punishment.
In all cases, it is permitted to adjudicate the deportation of the beggar if he is an expatriate.
Article 298 states that whoever uses a juvenile or surrenders him to another, to beg, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period no less than three months and not exceeding three years, and a fine no less than RO50 and not exceeding RO100, or one of those two punishments.
The punishment shall be doubled if the perpetrator is a guardian or custodian of the juvenile, or if he is responsible for his supervision or care.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
