The Pakistani government is concerned about individuals misusing Umrah visas to send beggars to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding this issue.
As reported by CNBC TV18 on Friday (27/9/2024), the warning is serious. Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that if this trend continues, it could negatively impact the ability of Pakistani pilgrims to perform Umrah and Hajj.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj has formally warned Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging them to take measures to prevent Pakistani beggars from entering the kingdom under the guise of Umrah pilgrims.
The ministry is also seeking ways to stop beggars from traveling to Saudi Arabia disguised as pilgrims, including conducting investigations into the matter.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with dismantling these networks, which Naqvi said are damaging Pakistan’s reputation.
Last year, this issue was also raised by Zeeshan Khanzada, the Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis.
Khanzada noted that some Gulf countries have expressed concerns about the behavior of Pakistani citizens abroad, particularly regarding work ethics and involvement in criminal activities.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development recorded that 90% of beggars arrested abroad were from Pakistan.
During questioning, these individuals admitted their intent to beg in the kingdom.
In September of the previous year, 16 beggars disguised as pilgrims were also removed from a flight headed to Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Khanzada reported that many pickpockets caught at the Grand Mosque in Mecca were Pakistani nationals.