UAE residents are reminded anew against begging or unauthorized fundraising in the emirates, with authorities warning of fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh500,000. Under the UAE law, begging is considered a criminal offence that will lead to jail time, a fine of not less than Dh5,000. Offenders may also face deportation. Meanwhile, illegal fundraising is punishable with a fine of between Dh200,000 and Dh500,000.

Begging will land you in jail

“Whoever commits the crime of begging by soliciting a material benefit in kind, of any form or by any means, shall be sentenced to a duration of not more than three months in jail, and fined a monetary penalty of not less than Dh5,000,” according to the UAE Public Prosecution. The punishment will be more severe if the beggar is found to feign disability or injury, has a source of income, claims false service, or commits any form of deceit to draw sympathy. Harsher penalties also apply to individuals involved in organized begging or begging syndicates. “Whoever manages the crime of organised begging that is committed by an organised group of two or more persons shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a duration of not less than six months, and fined a monetary penalty of not less than Dh100,000,” according to the Public Prosecution. Beggars in the syndicate will be fined Dh5,000 and jailed. Using children in begging operations is also considered exploitation and a serious offence. That will result in the adult being jailed and fined not less than Dh20,000.

How to report beggars

You can report beggars to authorities through the following hotlines: Abu Dhabi: 999 or 8002626 (800Aman), SMS on 2828 Ajman: 06 7034310 Dubai: 901 or 800243 or 8004888 Fujairah: 09 2051100 or 09 2224411 Ras Al Khaimah: 07 2053372 Sharjah: 901 or 80040 or 06 5632222 Umm Al Quwain: 999

Illegal fundraising

It is also illegal to solicit for funds without the proper license. In the UAE, cash donations must be coursed through authorized agencies or charities, such as the Emirates Red Crescent. Anyone who is caught posting or promoting fundraising campaigns without authorization from authorities will be detained and fined between Dh200,000 and Dh500,000. ICA/Expat Media
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