The Ministry of Social Development in Jordan has intensified efforts against begging during Ramadan, detaining 335 individuals thus far. A total of 1,820 have been apprehended this year. The ministry has urged donations via licensed organizations rather than to beggars directly. Public reaction is mixed, with some supporting the crackdown and others calling for addressing the root causes of poverty and begging.
The Ministry of Social Development in Jordan has escalated its efforts to combat begging during the holy month of Ramadan, with 335 individuals detained as of early March 2025. Since the beginning of the year, the total detentions have risen to 1,820, following extensive inspections involving 1,150 campaigns throughout the Kingdom. The ministry remains focused on high-traffic areas including commercial districts and public spaces, and collaborates closely with the Public Security Directorate and judicial authorities.
In a statement to The Jordan Times, the ministry emphasized the importance of responsible giving. It advised the public to refrain from providing direct monetary assistance to beggars and instead suggested donating through licensed charities and sanctioned fundraising initiatives. “Ramadan is a time of generosity, but giving should be done responsibly to ensure aid reaches those who truly need it,” the ministry noted.
Additionally, organizations supervised by the ministry have been instructed to enhance public awareness regarding the social and legal implications of begging. Under the Jordanian Penal Code, specifically Article 389, begging is classified as a criminal offense. Citizens are encouraged to report incidents through the ministry’s hotline at 0793344330.
The enforcement action has elicited mixed responses from the public. Some individuals support the initiative, arguing that professional begging undermines genuine charitable intentions. Khaled Amjad, a resident of Amman, expressed, “It’s frustrating to see the same people at intersections every day.” Conversely, others advocate for addressing the underlying issues that contribute to begging. Rana Ali, a mother of three, stated, “Instead of just arresting them, why not tackle the root causes?”
In conclusion, Jordan’s Ministry of Social Development has taken significant measures to discourage begging during Ramadan by detaining numerous individuals and urging the public to donate through official channels. While the enforcement has garnered support for preventing exploitation of charity, there exists a call for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of begging. The ministry’s efforts aim to ensure that aid is effectively provided to those in genuine need while raising awareness about the repercussions of begging.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
