Pakistan's Ministry Cracks Down on Trafficking of Pakistani Beggars to Saudi Arabia via Hajj Umrah Visas

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has formally notified Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging immediate steps to curb the influx of Pakistani beggars causing Hajj Umrah disruption. 

Sources within the Ministry of Religious Affairs report that Saudi’s warning is due to the growing number of beggars arriving in the kingdom under the guise of the Umrah pilgrimage.  

The ministry stressed that failing to tackle this issue could negatively affect the experiences of genuine Pakistani pilgrims participating in Umrah and Hajj. 

In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced plans to implement an "Umrah Act." This proposed legislation aims to regulate travel agencies organizing Umrah trips, subjecting them to legal oversight to ensure compliance and proper management. 

During a recent meeting, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki that Pakistan will take decisive action against those trafficking beggars to Saudi Arabia. 

Naqvi emphasized that this alarming trend of Pakistani beggars is damaging Pakistan's image and committed to dismantling the networks responsible for these activities through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). 

Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, disclosed that several Gulf nations have expressed concerns regarding the conduct of Pakistani expatriates, particularly related to work ethics, attitudes, and involvement in criminal activities. 

He noted that these issues are tarnishing the reputation of Pakistani workers abroad, resulting in increased scrutiny from employers and authorities in the Gulf region. 

The FIA has been directed to ramp up efforts against the mafias facilitating the trafficking of beggars. Recently, the agency intervened at Karachi airport, removing 11 suspected beggars from a flight bound for Saudi Arabia. 

During immigration checks, officials questioned these passengers, who admitted that their primary intent was to beg upon arrival in the kingdom.