Beggars found all year round in Riyadh

RIYADH: Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, but now a strange phenomenon is starting to appear in the streets of this city as beggars invade its streets not only during the holy month of Ramadan, but now all the time.
Since early morning, many women and children are found near traffic lights, in front of malls, supermarkets and ATM machines asking people for money.
Mohamed Suliman, a sales specialist, said that beggars always interrupt him on his way home or to work, and not only that, they use small children to attract the sympathy of motorists or passers-by.
Nagwa Mohamed, a quality consultant, told Arab News she always runs into one of them at the ATM machine or at markets whenever she wants to buy something.
Nada M., a Saudi woman, said that this phenomenon, or beggary, used to appear before Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid but now it lasts the whole year and one can find them in many and different places.
Experts say using small children not only tarnishes the image of the city but also affects the safety of these children and denies them their rights to have a decent home, education and healthcare.
Citizens want to send a message to the authorities to contain this phenomenon before it spreads all over the country and help these people with their needs, whether it’s money, food or shelter.