In this bold step, Saudi Arabia has initiated an unprecedented nationwide effort to crack down on prostitution and begging. The campaign has drawn international scrutiny amid claims that it will address issues of human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable populations. While the government says the campaign is motivated by a desire to remind people of Islamic values and maintain social order, the scope of the initiative has stirred debate both in the Kingdom and further afield.
A New Phase of Law Enforcement: Protecting Public Morality
The Saudi Ministry of Interior, under the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has unveiled a series of measures aimed at curbing prostitution and organized begging. Central to this campaign is the newly formed “Community Security Unit”, which focuses on human trafficking, exploitation, and illegal social behavior.
“The Kingdom will not tolerate activities that violate its moral code or compromise the safety of society,”
the Ministry said in a statement released on March 2025.
First-Time Public Acknowledgment
In what appears to be a break from traditional silence on such issues, Saudi authorities have publicly acknowledged for the first time in over a decade the existence of prostitution and large-scale organized begging operations. As of April 2025, over 50 people have been arrested in a single week, with charges ranging from running brothels to exploiting minors in begging rings.
Legal Framework and Punishments: A Zero-Tolerance Policy
Saudi Arabia adheres to a strict interpretation of Sharia law, which criminalizes both prostitution and begging. Under the law:
- Prostitution is punishable by imprisonment, fines, public shaming, and deportation for foreigners.
- Begging is also illegal, with penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of SR100,000 ($26,660).
- Foreign nationals are deported after completing their sentence, with bans on re-entry.
In July 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Begging Law was updated to include digital begging, reflecting the rise in online scams. Authorities warn that asking for financial help on social media—commonly seen during Ramadan and Hajj—now carries penalties of up to six months in jail or fines of SR50,000 ($13,330).
“Begging is a form of social manipulation that has evolved digitally. We are committed to stopping it in all its forms,”
said Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior.
Targeting Prostitution Rings: Massage Parlors Under Scrutiny
As part of the crackdown, massage parlors across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have been raided. Authorities report uncovering hidden prostitution networks operating under the guise of wellness centers.
- 11 women were arrested for engaging in prostitution.
- Several foreign nationals were found living in poor conditions, and they were believed to be victims of human trafficking.
“This is not just a matter of vice—it’s organized crime,” stated a report from the Saudi Human Rights Commission.
Activists are calling for more humane treatment of the victims caught in these operations, many of whom come from Southeast Asia, Ethiopia, and parts of the Indian subcontinent, lured by false promises of legal employment.
Organized Begging: The Exploitation of Children
The Ministry revealed disturbing findings of organized networks exploiting children and disabled individuals for begging:
- In one Riyadh operation, 14 adults were arrested for forcing 27 children to beg in key commercial areas.
- Many of the children were under the age of 10, some reportedly without parental supervision or proper documentation.
“We cannot allow the systematic abuse of children under the pretense of poverty,” said a Ministry official.
Social workers are now tasked with providing care, shelter, and psychological support to the rescued children. Authorities are working with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking to further investigate the source of these operations.
International Fallout: Deportations and Diplomatic Strain
The crackdown has not come without international repercussions. Several foreign nationals, particularly from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and African countries, have been detained and deported.
- In early 2025, Pakistan confirmed that over 1,100 of its citizens were deported for begging during their Umrah visits.
- The Pakistani Ministry of Religious Affairs has now proposed stricter screening for pilgrims and increased public awareness campaigns.
“We are embarrassed by these reports. Begging during religious pilgrimages is unacceptable and damages our national image,” a Pakistani official told The Express Tribune.
International human rights groups, however, are expressing concerns over due process and whether detainees—especially women and children—have access to legal counsel or fair trials.
Online Begging: New Era, New Challenges
With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat being used to solicit donations, Saudi Arabia’s Cybercrime Unit is on high alert. They have traced more than 300 online accounts promoting fraudulent fundraising campaigns.
- 10 influencers were fined in 2024 for soliciting donations under pretenses.
- Some accounts claimed to be fundraising for orphanages or terminally ill family members—none of which were verified.
“Digital exploitation is the new frontier. We will pursue it as aggressively as physical crimes,”
declared the Cybersecurity Authority.
The Impact on FIFA Visitors: A Threat to Safety?
As Saudi Arabia makes moves to become increasingly involved in international sports and tourism, most notably with the 2034 FIFA World Cup set to take place there, the concerns about the safety and wellness of international visitors are increasing.
- For tourists, if new security and police arrangements are being made around busy places, they may unknowingly disrupt the social tranquility by infringing on the local law.
- To meet the gap between demand and supply, prostitution and begging rings – typically working in disguised or hidden forms – can always be a threat to tourists, particularly those with foreign nationalities having lesser safe havens against human trafficking.
- The swift removal of foreign nationals may engender an environment of suspicion and hostility that will make FIFA guests feel uncertain and unsafe.
“The crackdown is well-intentioned but may not be fully prepared for the level of scrutiny it will face with FIFA tourists. There’s a need for clear communication and strong visitor support systems,”
said Mohammed Al-Shammari, a political analyst in Riyadh.
This situation highlights the challenge Saudi Arabia faces as it balances its strict internal policies with the need to present itself as a welcoming host for global events.
A Defining Moment for the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia’s repression of prostitution and begging is a significant moment in the kingdom’s ongoing transformation. Combating these crimes is certainly one of the topmost priorities of the government, with the actual intention of strengthening public safety and protection of vulnerable populations and preservation of Islamic values. But the problem is keeping it legal, fair, humane, and credible around the world.
As the Kingdom embarks on its next chapter — global events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup, growing tourism, and global investment — the world will watch closely how it maneuvers through the field of justice, culture, and human rights.