Saudi Arabia has deported tens of thousands of Pakistani nationals over allegations of organised begging, highlighting growing concerns among West Asian countries about the misuse of visas by visitors from Pakistan.
According to Pakistani officials, around 56,000 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia for involvement in organised begging networks. The action comes despite efforts by Islamabad to curb the trend by tightening travel controls and cracking down on illegal migration.
In 2025 alone, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has offloaded more than 66,000 passengers from outbound flights to prevent suspected beggars and illegal migrants from travelling abroad. These measures include placing thousands of individuals on Pakistan’s Exit Control List (ECL), effectively barring them from overseas travel.
The issue has drawn sharp warnings from Saudi authorities in recent years. Riyadh had earlier urged Pakistan to stop the misuse of Umrah and tourist visas by individuals entering the Kingdom to beg, particularly in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Saudi officials warned that continued violations could impact Pakistani pilgrims travelling for Umrah and Hajj.
FIA Director-General for Immigration and Borders Riffat Mukhtar said the scale of the problem had become alarming, prompting strict action. He said the agency’s operations were aimed at dismantling organised networks facilitating begging and illegal migration.
The problem extends beyond Saudi Arabia. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Azerbaijan have also reported an increase in Pakistani nationals involved in begging and other illegal activities. Last month, the UAE significantly restricted visa issuance for Pakistani citizens amid concerns over criminal activity and public order.
In 2024, Pakistan’s Secretary for Overseas Affairs Zeeshan Khanzada stated that nearly 90% of beggars detained in several West Asian countries were Pakistani nationals, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
The developments have raised diplomatic and reputational concerns for Pakistan, with authorities under pressure to enforce stricter controls and prevent further misuse of travel documents.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
