MUSCAT : “Contribute to combating begging by reporting incidents to the call center (1555),” announced a notice from Oman’s Public Prosecution.

In an earlier announcement, the Public Prosecution had warned against begging at mosques, roads, stores, and public areas, and indicated that it is an offense punishable by law.

Begging in Oman is a crime, with penalties including imprisonment and fines of up to RO100. Chapter 3, Article 297 of the Oman Penal Code stipulates imprisonment and fines for begging in public or private places, with repeat offenders facing harsher penalties. Exceptions are made for those begging out of necessity, with deportation for expatriate offenders. Article 298 mandates imprisonment and fines for using minors in begging, with doubled penalties for guardians or custodians involved.

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