Saudi passports authority urges public to report begging via emergency hotlines

The General Directorate of Passports has urged citizens and residents to promptly report any cases of begging.

In a statement on X, the authority explained that reports can be made by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, while 999 is designated for the rest of the Kingdom.

It stressed that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality and that those reporting will bear no responsibility.

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The Ministry of Interior has affirmed that begging is prohibited in all its forms and under any pretext. Anyone found practicing, inciting, conspiring, or assisting in begging in any way faces imprisonment, fines, and, for non-Saudis—except for the Saudi spouse or children—deportation after serving their sentence.

The ministry has previously urged the public not to interact with beggars or give them money in any form, and to ensure donations are made to those in need through official charitable platforms and licensed organizations.

It also called for reporting cases of begging by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other regions. All reports will be handled with full confidentiality and without any liability for the informant.