Saudi Arabia Warns Pakistan: 'Stop Sending Beggars, or Else'
Saudi Arabia has warned Pakistan about the rising number of beggars entering the country under the guise of religious pilgrims, urging Pakistan to take strict action
In a surprising and embarrassing situation for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning to the country, but not for geopolitical reasons or weapons issues. This time, it’s about beggars.
Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the growing number of beggars entering their country, disguised as religious pilgrims, especially during Umrah and Hajj. The Saudi government has made it clear that if this issue is not controlled, it will negatively affect the genuine pilgrims from Pakistan.
According to reports, about 90% of beggars arrested in foreign countries belong to Pakistan. These individuals often use pilgrimage as a cover to enter Saudi Arabia and then indulge in begging.
Zulfikar Haider, the Secretary of Pakistan’s Overseas Ministry, shared that many beggars from Pakistan are travelling to the Middle East under the guise of religious ziarat (pilgrimage). Many of them use Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia and then engage in begging activities.
This has even led to issues like human trafficking, with Japan emerging as a new destination for these beggars.
Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it prefers skilled labour over untrained individuals. Unfortunately, the growing number of beggars is damaging Pakistan’s image in the Gulf. Last year, several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, expressed concerns over the behaviour of some overseas Pakistanis.
In response to Saudi Arabia’s warning, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to introduce an ‘Umrah Act’ to regulate travel agencies and prevent the mafia from sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has assured Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador, Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, that strict measures will be taken to stop this issue.
Recently, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded 11 alleged beggars from a Saudi Arabia-bound flight at Karachi airport. These passengers admitted their purpose of travelling was to beg.
Saudi Arabia has also complained about repeat offenders being sent from Pakistan, saying their prisons are full of Pakistani prisoners.
The FIA is now working hard to crack down on the networks sending beggars to Saudi Arabia, as it is causing harm to Pakistan’s reputation abroad.
