UAE: 3-month jail, AED5,000 fine for beggars

The Public Prosecution (PP) today said that beggars shall be sentenced to detention for a term up to three months and a fine of not less than AED5,000.

The penalty- according to Article 475 of Federal Decree Law No 31 of 2021 concerning crimes and penalties law- shall be handed down on

"whoever is caught begging to obtain a physical or in-kind benefit by any form or means," PP tweeted today.

The begging offence shall be considered an aggravating circumstance if the beggar is healthy and has an apparent source of living; if he/she pretends to be injured or have a permanent disability­; pretends to do a service for third party; or uses any means of de­ception in order to influence others and appeal to their affection.

News Source: Emirates News Agency