Beggars in Bahrain now ‘exploiting’ Ramadan charity feeling

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

A surge in beggars has been witnessed across Bahrain, allegedly taking advantage of the Holy Month and the charity act, which is obligatory upon Muslims.

Across the malls, car parking areas, food streets and bus stops, one can spot beggars at any giver hour during daytime.

The organised units of beggars, mainly expatriates, are also found in some areas of Bahrain.

Since the beginning of the Holy Month, the rising number of beggars have become an inconvenience to the citizens and residents, most often annoying them.

According to sources, they frequent shops, seeking money from shopkeepers as well as their customers.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Sujeesh PR, a resident, said: “Begging cannot be seen as a crime. But, of course, it is a social problem, which raises a lot of concerns.

“I always refrain from giving alms as I don’t want to add to this social problem. But this refraining also leaves a guilty feeling in me. “What if they genuinely need some help?” Sujeesh said, adding that the authorities should urgently look into the issue. V K Nair, another expatriate, said many beggars even cursed him for not giving the alms.

“Most of them are expatriates, who are trying to exploit the situation since the beginning of Holy Month. “Where were all of these beggars before the beginning of Ramadan? Helping a destitute is definitely an act of charity, especially during the Holy Month. But some people are taking it as a profession.

“There are many healthy youngsters, disguised as road pen sellers or sticker sellers, who come near cars and beg. These are tough acts to witness. The concept of charity is being misused or exploited by some people. And, of course, by doing these kinds of acts they are blocking all support to those who are in real need.”

The Daily Tribune spoke to an expat, who was seen begging on a busy road in Tubli. “I came here after obtaining a job with a private firm. But upon arrival, they said they don’t want to employ me.

“I can’t return home as my family expects me to send money home. This is a special month and at least I should get my children good food and good clothing. “I never trouble anyone. I am only seeking support to overcome the most difficult times of my life.”

Earlier, commenting on the matter, Dr Anna Mostafa, a leading psychologist in the Kingdom, had said: “There could be psychological factors for begging; perhaps the individual’s mental and cognitive capacity may play a role. Perhaps, they are unaware of the resources available to them by charities and shelters set in place to support them.”

Dr Anna also stressed on the significance of rehabilitation. “Public awareness campaigns and increased efforts at disseminating information of available services to police, mosques, public transport and other areas where people gather could be beneficial.”

Begging is legally prohibited in the Kingdom and offenders face imprisonment and fines. “Dar Al Karama” has been taking care of beggars and the homeless. It is a governmental social institution affiliated to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Department of Social Welfare. It is concerned with the provision of care and different services for the first-time beggars and homeless people.