ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government is tightening its grip on begging in Saudi Arabia by introducing a stringent Umrah policy. This move aims to curb the begging mafia that has been tarnishing Pakistan’s image in the holy land.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to implement drastic measures against beggars, including requiring pilgrims to sign an affidavit before departing for Umrah, pledging not to engage in begging. Violators of this affidavit will face strict legal action.
To further prevent begging, Umrah pilgrims will now be permitted to travel only in groups, not individually. This measure is designed to ensure accountability and reduce the likelihood of pilgrims engaging in begging.
Tour operators will also be required to obtain affidavits from pilgrims, making them equally responsible for discouraging such activities.
Sources indicate that the government is determined to address this issue, as the begging problem has harmed Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted operations in various areas of Multan, arresting four travel agents involved in sending citizens to Saudi Arabia for begging.
An FIA spokesperson identified the arrested agents as Sadiq Hussain, Mohammad Ejaz, Ghulam, and Ghulam Yaseen. These arrests were based on information provided by previously detained individuals.
The agents were reportedly facilitating citizens’ travel to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of begging and subsequently collecting a share of the money earned through these activities.
In a recent incident, Karachi Airport witnessed a significant operation by the FIA immigration team on October 15, resulting in the arrest of two female passengers allegedly involved in begging under the guise of performing Umrah.
The women, lacking hotel bookings and sufficient travel funds, raised suspicions during interrogation. Further investigation revealed that one woman’s son, who traveled to Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa in 2022, was also engaged in begging activities and is now residing illegally in the kingdom. Both women were handed over to Karachi’s Anti-Human Smuggling Circle for further legal proceedings.
This incident underscores Pakistan’s broader struggle with organized crime, particularly human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir recently addressed these issues at the 12th session of the Conference of the Parties for the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. He advocated for a comprehensive strategy to curb such crimes.
In a related effort, last month, the FIA stopped two passengers at Faisalabad Airport for similar reasons. Known for repeated begging trips to Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, the couple lacked proper documentation and financial proof for their travels.
The growing number of Pakistani beggars in Saudi Arabia has raised concerns among Saudi officials, who fear disruptions to the pilgrimage experience.
On September 24, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj issued a warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging action to prevent Pakistani beggars from entering the kingdom on Umrah visas.
Local media reports quoting the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that Saudi authorities had expressed alarm over the increasing number of Pakistani beggars arriving on Umrah visas. The ministry warned that failure to address the issue could negatively impact the experience of Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has proposed the introduction of an “Umrah Act,” aimed at regulating travel agencies facilitating Umrah trips and bringing them under legal oversight.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also assured that stringent measures would be implemented to prevent the misuse of Umrah visas and safeguard Pakistan’s international reputation.
