Khaberni - Data from the Ministry of Social Development indicates a "significant increase" in the pace of anti-begging campaigns during the first ten months of the current year, compared to 2024, amidst stricter field monitoring and expanding the scope of campaigns in various governorates.
While the Anti-Begging Directorate carried out a total of 4,551 campaigns during 2024, the number of campaigns from January to the end of October 2025 reached about 5,626; an evident increase exceeding 1,075 campaigns before the year is completed, according to the ministry's monthly reports and the annual report.
Furthermore, numbers show that the number of beggars caught during the first ten months of the current year reached 9,696 beggars, compared to 7,453 beggars caught during the entirety of 2024, reflecting an expansion in field efforts, and a noticeable increase in observed cases.
In detail, 2024 data shows that the directorate caught 3,397 adult beggars and 4,056 minors under 18. In 2025, the continuous monthly performance reveals an increase in the cases caught at a steady pace, with the total caught from all categories during just ten months exceeding the number arrested throughout the entirety of 2024.
The supporting figures in the 2024 annual report highlight the role of shelter services and follow-up care programs, as 2,903 beggars benefited from shelter services, while 120 people benefited from follow-up care programs. These indicators are an essential part of the ministry's comprehensive system for addressing the issue of begging, which combines field enforcement with social care and rehabilitation.
Conversely, the detailed monthly performance for 2025 shows significant increases in enforcement campaigns during the months of March, September, and October, while January, February, and October witnessed figures tending towards stability, indicating seasonal fluctuations linked to social behavior and economic conditions.
January witnessed the execution of 423 campaigns, during which 710 beggars were caught, marking a clear start to the increase in the pace of campaigns during the first quarter of the year.
In February, the Anti-Begging teams carried out 412 campaigns resulting in the capture of 740 beggars, while March saw a "huge leap", with 971 campaigns executed and 1,386 beggars caught, the highest number since the beginning of the year, coinciding with the month of Ramadan.
In April, the directorate conducted 470 campaigns resulting in 881 beggars caught, while May saw 519 campaigns resulting in the capture of 916 beggars. In June, the teams carried out 510 campaigns and caught 797 beggars.
July witnessed conducting 497 campaigns that led to the capture of 839 beggars. In August, the Anti-Begging teams executed 558 campaigns and caught 847 beggars. Following was September, which recorded a noticeable increase in the number of campaigns, reaching 594 campaigns, while the number of beggars caught amounted to 919.
In October, efforts continued at a high pace, with the ministry carrying out 572 campaigns during which 741 beggars were caught, according to the achievement report for the month.
The ministry says that the efforts to combat begging are based on a collaborative approach aimed at reducing the phenomenon and mitigating its negative effects on individuals and society, ensuring protection and care for those caught, and integrating those in need into subsequent care programs, in alignment with its strategic goals of enhancing social protection.
