Saudi Arabia issues stern warning to Pakistan for sending beggars under Umrah and Hajj visas

Pakistan faces criticism over beggars issues

In a significant diplomatic rebuke, Saudi Arabia has urged Pakistan to take immediate action against the influx of beggars entering the kingdom under Umrah and Hajj visas. The Saudi government has expressed grave concerns after numerous Pakistani nationals were caught begging in cities like Mecca and Medina, leading to their deportation.

Sources within Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs confirm that the Saudi authorities have reported an alarming rise in the number of Pakistani beggars abusing the visa system. A ministry representative stated, “Saudi Arabia has warned that if this situation continues, it could negatively impact Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.”

In response, Pakistan has introduced the ‘Umrah Act,’ designed to regulate travel agencies involved in facilitating Umrah trips. This new legislation aims to impose stricter oversight on visa issuance and to ensure that only legitimate pilgrims enter Saudi Arabia.

The issue has become a source of embarrassment for the Shehbaz Sharif government, as discussions on this topic recently took place between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi envoy Nawaf Bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki. Naqvi assured that strict measures are being implemented against the “mafia” responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia.

The Pakistani government has assigned the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to crack down on networks and travel agencies implicated in these activities. “The beggars’ mafia is damaging Pakistan’s image,” stated Interior Minister Naqvi, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

Concerns extend beyond Saudi Arabia; several Gulf nations have tightened their scrutiny of Pakistani citizens due to rising complaints regarding work ethics, behavior, and involvement in criminal activities. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, noted that these issues are significantly harming the reputation of Pakistani workers abroad.

Recently, 11 individuals were apprehended at Karachi airport and removed from a Saudi-bound flight after officials discovered they intended to beg in the kingdom. This incident underscores the pressing need for Pakistan to address these ongoing challenges and restore its image on the international stage.

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