Saudi Arabia Warns Pakistan Over Rising Number of Beggars

Saudi Arabia Expresses Concern Over Pakistani Beggars

Saudi Arabia has expressed concern over the increasing number of Pakistani beggars entering the country under the guise of Umrah. The Saudi government has asked Pakistan to take strict action to prevent beggars from entering the country, warning that if such efforts are not controlled, Umrah and Hajj pilgrims in Pakistan will be adversely affected.

The Saudi Hajj Ministry has issued a warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, following a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Syed Ahmed Al Maliki. During the meeting, Naqvi assured that strict action would be taken against the mafia that sends beggars to Saudi Arabia.

However, when no action was taken, Saudi Arabia issued a stern warning to Pakistan. Pakistani beggars travel to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas and then engage in activities related to begging. This issue has been ongoing, with Saudi Arabia previously warning Pakistan about the same problem.

In response to the issue, the Pakistani government had decided to suspend the passports of 2,000 beggars in July this year. A report last year found that 90 out of every 100 beggars in Arab countries are from Pakistan. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with taking strict action in the matter.