Islamic affairs minister warns against being misled by illegal fundraising campaigns during Ramadan
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh warned the public against being misled by any advertisements for fundraising that are neither documented nor authorized by the competent authorities. In a statement issued on his X account on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, the minister called on everyone to offer their donations only through official channels.
The minister cited some instances of illegal fundraising. "A company was found marketing and collecting money from citizens for the purpose of building and renovating mosques, and defrauding donors by making them believe that it has approvals from the authorities. It was also monitored that an association was advertising to collect donations, amounting to SR90, to build mosques in Makkah, even though it has neither obtained any approval from the ministry nor any sites handed over to it for building mosques," he said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Rami Al-Sharif noted that there are several provisions in the Saudi Fundraising Law to penalize violators. The law stipulates that collecting donations is limited to the licensed entity, and that those responsible for collecting and distributing donations at the licensed entity must be Saudis.
He noted that the law stipulates that a person, who collects donations illegally, will be slapped with a fine not exceeding SR500000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or both, with deportation of foreigners after serving the imprisonment and they would not be allowed to reenter the Kingdom except under the Hajj and Umrah regulations.
The unlicensed entity that collects donations will be punished with a fine not exceeding SR500000. The fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat of the violation. The licensed entity that calls for collecting donations in violation of the provisions of Article 9 of the law will be punished with a fine not exceeding SR200000, and the fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat of the violation.
Anyone who violates any provision of the law for which no penalty is provided in this article will be punished with a fine not exceeding SR100000. The fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat of the violation.
A media outlet that advertises for an unlicensed entity that is collecting donations will be slapped with a fine not exceeding SR500000 and the fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat of the violation.
He explained that the law stipulates that no licensed entity may collect donations except in accordance with its objectives stipulated in the law or its executive regulations, and that the collection of donations must be through its approved bank accounts, in accordance with the instructions of the Saudi Central Bank, and through financial transfers via electronic channels as specified by the regulations.
The law prohibits the licensed entity from receiving cash donations except through direct deposit into its bank accounts approved by banks and their branches, and receiving donations from outside the Kingdom, except after the approval of the licensing entity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
9 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
NEOM Port trains 10 Saudi women in remote crane operation
Saudi Gazette report TABUK — NEOM Port has begun training 10 young Saudi women from the Tabuk region in advanced technical jobs, including remote operation of cranes. This training is part of a pioneering two-year program that combines technical education, practical training, and career guidance. This initiative coincides with NEOM Port's delivery of the first batch of fully automated, remote-controlled cranes designed to transfer containers and cargo from ships to the dock, enhancing its readiness for smart trade. This equipment, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, will contribute to raising the port's efficiency and strengthening its position as a global center for smart and sustainable trade. Development work is accelerating at NEOM Port in preparation for the opening of Advanced Container Terminal No. 1 in 2026, which will implement an automated horizontal transport system as part of the port's plan to achieve full automation. With the introduction of these new technologies, the port's logistics capacity is expected to double, supporting industrial growth in the region and expanding access to global markets, in addition to enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of supply chains and opening up horizons of new works.
Saudi Gazette
10 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Investment Minister leads delegation to UK-Saudi Investment Summit in London
Saudi Gazette report LONDON— Saudi Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, is heading the Saudi delegation participating in the Saudi-UK Partnership and Investment Summit, which is being held on Wednesday at Mansion House in London. The summit is organized by the Saudi-British Joint Business Council and hosted by the City of London Corporation. It is supported by the Ministry of Investment and the UK Department for Business and Trade, and is attended by more than 400 policymakers, senior investors, and business leaders from both countries. The summit aims to explore prospects for bilateral cooperation and enhance partnership and investment opportunities between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. It includes a high-level ministerial dialogue bringing together Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and British Minister of Investment Baroness Bobby Gustafson in a special session highlighting the development of strategic relations between the two countries and their shared vision for the future. The summit sessions will address shared development priorities in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the UK's future industrial strategy, UK Invest 2035, including expanding public-private partnerships, financing infrastructure projects, developing the venture capital ecosystem, and leveraging advanced technologies such as deeptech, space science, and clean innovation. IT's agenda is designed to encourage practical dialogue, facilitate cross-border investment flows, and accelerate economic diversification by building sustainable partnerships that meet future demands.
Saudi Gazette
10 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj ministry seeks documentation of housing contracts for Umrah pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on Umrah service providing companies, establishments, and foreign agents to document housing contracts for Umrah pilgrims in tourist hospitality facilities licensed by the Ministry of Tourism through the "Nusuk Masar" platform. The move is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to ensure high-quality services for Umrah pilgrims and enhance operational efficiency throughout the Umrah season. The ministry clarified that the issuance of Umrah visas is now contingent upon a documented contract with licensed hospitality providers. This measure aims to regulate the hospitality sector and ensure Umrah pilgrims to have a safe and comfortable experience from the time of their arrival until departure. This directive came into effect from the beginning of the Umrah season on Dhul Hijjah 14, 1446 AH, corresponding to June 10. Authorities emphasized the importance of early contract documentation and strict adherence to the approved regulations to avoid delays in visa issuance or exposure to regulatory action. This decision reflects ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism to raise the standard of services, protect Umrah pilgrims' rights, and prevent practices that could negatively impact their experience.
