Saudi Warns Pakistan For Sending 'Beggars' With Umrah Visas

Saudi Arabia has expressed concerns over the increasing numbers of Pakistani beggars arriving in the Kingdom under the guise of religious pilgrimage.

The Saudi authorities have also warned that if the situation is not controlled, it could negatively affect Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, according to media reports.

News agency PTI reported that Saudi Ministry of Hajj formally warned about the increasing number of beggars entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas which are meant for religious pilgrims.

Saudi officials are concerned that the actions of these individuals are damaging the reputation of Pakistani pilgrims, the report claimed.

Following this, Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs is planning to introduce an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies that facilitate Umrah trips.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki that strict measures will be implemented and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with leading the crackdown.

Last year as well, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Arshad Mahmood pointed out that several Gulf countries had expressed concerns about the behaviour of some Pakistani nationals, particularly in relation to work ethics, attitudes, and involvement in criminal activities.