Ho Chi Minh City orders stronger crackdown on organized street begging involving children, elderly

The move is part of a directive recently issued by the municipal People’s Committee to strengthen management of street beggars and vulnerable groups requiring urgent protection.

Despite recent efforts, officials said that begging continues to affect the city’s image, social order, and public safety.

As per the directive, the chairman of the municipal administration asked departments, agencies, and local authorities to urgently address the situation.

City police were assigned to increase patrols in key areas; strictly punish individuals who arrange for or coerce children, the elderly, or disabled people into begging for profit; tighten administrative management of social order and residency to prevent new cases of street begging; and issue personal identification numbers and ID cards to vulnerable individuals for better oversight.

The Department of Health was tasked with ensuring social support centers accept, manage, and care for vulnerable groups. 

Hospitals and clinics must improve medical care for those in shelters.

The Department of Tourism will work with local authorities to protect tourists from beggars and harassment at attractions and festivals.

Youth volunteer forces will assist in monitoring tourist areas to stop children and beggars from approaching visitors.

The Department of Education and Training will oversee vocational training programs for beggars and vulnerable individuals, while the Department of Home Affairs will connect them with job opportunities after training.

For commune-level authorities, they must conduct regular reviews and maintain strict records of beggars; transfer individuals to social support centers and issue proper identification documents; implement social welfare policies, vocational training, and job creation programs; encourage businesses, tourism sites, and religious institutions to prevent begging and support reintegration; and promote public awareness campaigns urging residents not to give money directly to beggars but instead donate through charities.