The Jordanian Ministry of Social Development intensified measures against begging during Ramadan, detaining 335 individuals. Since January, 1,820 beggars have been apprehended across 1,150 inspections. The ministry advises donating through licensed charities instead of giving directly to beggars, and has called for awareness on the consequences of begging, which is legally prohibited.
The Ministry of Social Development in Jordan has escalated efforts to combat begging during Ramadan, leading to the detainment of 335 individuals since the start of this holy month. This brings the total number of apprehensions to 1,820 for the year, following 1,150 inspection campaigns conducted throughout the Kingdom. By focusing on frequent commercial areas, traffic intersections, and public venues, the ministry collaborates with the Public Security Directorate and judicial authorities in these operations.
In an official communication to The Jordan Times, the Ministry has advised the public to refrain from giving money directly to individuals begging, encouraging donations instead through recognized charities and authorized fundraising initiatives. The ministry emphasized that while Ramadan is traditionally seen as a period of generosity, it is vital to ensure that assistance is directed to those genuinely in need, stating, “Ramadan is a time of generosity, but giving should be done responsibly to ensure aid reaches those who truly need it.”
Charitable organizations supervised by the ministry have also been tasked with increasing awareness regarding the legal and social implications of begging, which is categorized as a criminal offense under Article 389 of the Jordanian Penal Code. Citizens have been prompted to report instances of begging through the ministry’s dedicated hotline at 0793344330.
The crackdown has elicited a range of responses from the public; some supporters argue that professional begging takes advantage of the generosity of others, hindering aid from reaching people in real need. Khaled Amjad, a resident of Amman, remarked, “It’s frustrating to see the same people at intersections every day.” In contrast, others suggest that merely enforcing prohibitions is inadequate. Rana Ali, a mother of three, advocated for addressing the underlying causes of begging instead of solely relying on enforcement measures.
The Jordanian Ministry of Social Development is actively addressing the issue of begging, especially during Ramadan, with significant enforcement efforts leading to many detentions. By urging the public to support charitable organizations rather than giving directly to beggars, the ministry aims to ensure aid effectively reaches those in true need while recognizing the complexities surrounding poverty and begging.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
