According to Bekeshev, the public has witnessed underage children near mosques engaged in begging.
“They even have QR codes for money transfers, which indicates that adults are behind this, as the children themselves cannot manage the funds received. The police are monitoring this situation, but it seems they are not taking any action. Perhaps they are even providing support to them?” the deputy noted.
He emphasized that giving alms to children is wrong and raises the question of what lessons we are teaching our children. “It is necessary to hold accountable those who involve children in begging. Although the draft law stipulates responsibility, no real measures are being taken. We need to organize raids to identify such offenders,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oktay Urmambetov, who also spoke at the meeting, reported that the draft law includes measures for the expulsion of foreign citizens engaged in begging in public places and on the roads.
He explained that the proposed norms will define responsibility for begging, including cases on the roadway, and will provide for fines and other sanctions for offenders.
“Existing laws do not ensure full control in this area, so the adoption of the new draft law will allow us to focus on foreign citizens. Repeated violations within a month may lead to expulsion from the country,” Urmambetov concluded.
