In another major global embarrassment for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia deported tens of thousands of Pakistani nationals over their alleged involvement in organised begging in the country.
West Asian nations flag visa misuse
Despite Islamabad’s efforts to ensure that foreign visas are not misused, reports of violations have emerged amid growing concerns in West Asian countries, where Pakistani nationals have often been found involved in begging and other illegal activities. These countries have put strict scrutiny mechanisms in place to curb the misuse of visas.
Saudi Arabia deports over 50,000 Pak beggars
At least 56,000 Pakistani nationals have been deported by Saudi Arabia for their involvement in organised begging. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (Federal Investigation Agency) itself offloaded 66,154 people from outbound flights to stop such practices.
Last month, the United Arab Emirates also stopped issuing visas to Pakistani nationals. It has been reported that some Pakistani nationals deliberately travel to Middle East countries with the intent to beg.
Religious tourism used to organise visas
Several Pakistani groups are involved in these practices in the name of religious tourism. These groups arrange Umrah visas and send people to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They have also been found to be involved in criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Pakistani pilgrims, traders, and students have faced problems obtaining visas for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as the respective consulates have begun showing reluctance in issuing visas.
FIA chief confirms deportations
FIA chief Rifat Mukhtar told Karachi-based The News International newspaper that Saudi Arabia deported 56,000 Pakistani nationals involved in organised begging.
Pakistani begging sparks global concerns
Mukhtar admitted that illegal immigration and organised begging have damaged Pakistan’s image globally. Over the years, Pakistani nationals have been seen begging in Middle East countries, raising serious concerns among host nations.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry for Religious Affairs warned that the practice must be curbed, failing which it could have a major impact on Haj and Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan.
