Is Begging and Asking for Donations Legal?

Is Begging and Asking for Donations Legal?

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has cautioned people to report any begging incidents they may encounter.

According to the Qatari Law No. 28 of 2006, begging is considered illegal and any form of Zakat or donation should be done only through the relevant charitable organizations.

Cases of begging have been even more relevant during Ramadan and MoI has urged members of the public to alert the Criminal Investigation Department's Anti-Begging Section about any case of begging.

MoI has affirmed that “begging is a bad habit rejected by religion and society.”

MoI through its Twitter account asked to report these cases by dialling the Criminal Investigation Department's Anti-begging section on 2347444 / 33618627 or submitting a report through Metrash2 app.

Ramadan is a period of heightened generosity and kindness that scammers will well take advantage of. People will be more willing to listen and sympathise and give donations as well. For this purpose, the Anti-Begging Section is conducting drives during Ramadan to take in any beggars/scammers who are taking advantage of people who sympathise with them. 

If you wish to donate, do so only to authorised charity organisations like Qatar Charity and Qatar Red Crescent Society as they are the ones responsible for the collection and distribution of donations.