Islamabad: Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning to Pakistan to prevent beggars from entering the country under Umrah and Hajj visas. The Saudi government urged Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to take immediate action to stop individuals using pilgrimage visas for begging.
Saudi authorities recently arrested and deported several Pakistani nationals for begging during their visit. They have instructed Pakistan to tighten the visa issuance process to avoid further incidents, warning that failure to address the issue could negatively impact Pakistani pilgrims.
The issue has embarrassed the Shehbaz Sharif government, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently discussing the matter with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki. Naqvi assured that Pakistan is taking strict action against the networks sending beggars to Saudi Arabia.
Last month, 11 individuals were arrested at Karachi airport, allegedly planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for begging. They were apprehended by FIA officials during the immigration process. Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf nations, has expressed concerns over the behavior of some Pakistani nationals and is tightening entry regulations.
