MUSCAT, June 6 - Raids by the anti-begging squad have been intensified as the number of beggars swelled during Ramadhan, said a source at the Ministry of Social Development. “They (beggars) spend the entire year walking around in crowded spots, convincing people with sad stories and earning their sympathy as well as cash. But Ramadhan is peak season for them,” said the source. Ten people have been arrested so far by the anti-begging squad in capital Muscat.
“The number of beggars increases during Ramadhan as they know it is the right time to make more money. People are fasting and looking at helping the poor. But this isn’t the right way. We educate and spread awareness, but still some people are careless,” said the source.
Some people might have a different view about cash donations to the poor. “I would like to see a smile on their faces. I would like to hear them pray for me and my children when I give them money,” Ali Khalfan, a resident of Muscat, says.
Ali believes everyone is free to help the poor in his/her own way.
However, the ministry’s source urged both nationals and residents to find the right way to help the poor. “The government offers various channels to help the poor,” said the source.
He said if they really want to help someone, they should report him/her to the authorities so that a permanent solution can be found.
Both expatriates as well as citizens have been found begging in Muscat during Ramadhan, but this time the number of Arab nationals is more.
“We can’t do much about expatriates other than taking legal action. A far as Omani beggars are concerned, we try to meet their needs via different channels, including provision of employment,” he said.
The ministry had earlier appealed to the public to report beggars on the street so they can be “reformed”. “Don’t encourage begging, be a reason to transform them,” was the message it had tweeted.
The MoSD wants to clear public misconception that by reporting beggars they might be harming them.
A total of 263 beggars were arrested in Muscat in April, according to the ministry. Of these, 64 were nationals.
By Fahad al Ghadani
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