Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued warning over growing number of Pakistani beggars arriving in Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas. The ministry has warned that if the situation is not controlled, it could negatively affect Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

This comes after growing number of Pakistani beggars under guise of religious pilgrim have started visiting Saudi Arabia. According to the sources, it has been found that these pilgrims on Umrah visas resort to begging upon their arrival in the country. There has been an increase in the number of such people in recent times which has raised concern among the Saudi Hajj authorities and directive has been sent to Pakistan.

In response to this, the Pakistan Ministry of Religious affairs has decided to introduce ‘Umrah Act’ to regulate travel agencies that facilitate Umrah trips, ensuring that they operate under legal oversight.

Along with this, the Ministry has also asked the Pakistan Government to find ways to tackle the issue and prevent the beggars from travelling to Saudi Arabia under the guise of religious pilgrimage.

Earlier, in the meeting between Pakistan Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf Bin Said Al –Malki, Mohsin Naqvi had assured that strict measures would be taken against the mafias responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was tasked with cracking down of such network, which was damaging the image of Pakistan in international sphere.

This issue was also pointed out by Secretary of the Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Arshad Mahmood last year. He had said that several Gulf countries have expressed concerns regarding the behaviour of overseas Pakistanis, particularly in areas of work ethics, attitudes, and involvement in criminal activities. These reservations are reportedly affecting the reputation of Pakistani workers abroad, leading to increased scrutiny from Gulf employers and authorities.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca which is considered to be the holiest city for Muslims. Mecca is located in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. Every year, Muslim pilgrims from all over the world visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

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