The UAE Public Prosecution has elucidated the penalties associated with the crime of organized begging, shedding light on the severity of such activities within the nation.
Through its official social media channels, the Public Prosecution highlighted the legal repercussions in accordance with Articles 476 and 477 of Federal Decree Law No 31 of 2021, which delineates the Law on Crimes and Penalties.
According to the pronouncement, individuals involved in orchestrating begging activities through organized groups comprising two or more persons will face stringent punishment.
Offenders found guilty of this offense shall be subject to imprisonment for a minimum term of six months, coupled with a substantial fine not less than AED 100,000.
Furthermore, the Public Prosecution underscored that the same punitive measures would apply to those facilitating the entry of individuals into the country for the explicit purpose of engaging them in organized begging activities. This firm stance aims to curtail any attempts to exploit vulnerable individuals for illicit gains through such deplorable means.
The decree also outlines penalties for active participation in organized begging. Individuals found complicit in such activities face imprisonment for a maximum of three months, alongside a fine not less than AED 5,000, or one of these two penalties as deemed appropriate by the judiciary.
Moreover, the severity of the punishment escalates in cases where the perpetrator holds a position of trust or authority over the beggar, such as being their guardian or caretaker. Such circumstances will be treated as aggravating factors, warranting a more severe legal response.
These measures underscore the UAE's commitment to combating organized begging and ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals within its borders. By disseminating information on legal frameworks and penalties, the Public Prosecution seeks to foster a greater understanding of the law among the populace, thereby bolstering societal awareness and upholding justice in the nation.
