Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 14, 2024 12:24 pm GMT
Growing concerns about beggars from Pakistan abusing pilgrimage visas have led Saudi Arabia to issue a stern warning to Pakistan’s government. This troubling trend not only tarnishes the image of Pakistani pilgrims but also complicates the visa applications for genuine travelers trying to seek opportunities abroad.
Saudi Arabia’s Warning
Saudi Arabia recently urged Pakistan to take immediate action against the rising number of beggars arriving in its cities under the pretext of performing Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca. Reports have emerged that these beggars are taking advantage of Umrah visas, which are intended solely for religious pilgrimage, to engage in begging. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has expressed its concerns to Pakistan with a clear message: if the situation continues unchecked, it may have serious repercussions for legitimate Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
I just came back from Umrah and I assure you that I’m ashamed of being a Pakistani,” lamented Usman, a resident of Islamabad, in a recent post on social media. Observing beggars in significant locations, including shops and during the pilgrimage itself, underscores the severity of this issue.
A Professional Network
This phenomenon is not merely the work of isolated individuals; rather, it reflects a sophisticated and organized system. Legal expert Rafia Zakaria highlighted in a recent article that these beggars are often well-prepared, using manipulation tactics to solicit money from foreign pilgrims, particularly in the religiously significant cities of Makkah and Medina.
Zakaria describes them as “master manipulators,” fully aware of how to exploit the guilt of victims to secure donations. “They set up shop outside the holy places,” she noted. Reports indicate that not only Saudi Arabia but also other Middle Eastern nations, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been dealing with a surge of Pakistani beggars.
The Statistics Behind the Problem
Zeeshan Khanzada, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, pointed out last year that 90% of beggars arrested in Gulf countries were of Pakistani origin. “Ambassadors of Iraq and Saudi Arabia have told us that Pakistani beggars travel abroad under the guise of ziarat [pilgrimage] on Umrah visas,” Khanzada stated, drawing attention to the issue’s scale.
- Many Pakistani beggars are using valid Umrah visas to gain entry into Saudi Arabia.
- A staggering number of these beggars have been identified in various Middle Eastern countries over the last few years.
- Reports show that Gulf states are increasingly apprehensive about the image of Pakistani visa seekers.
Government Response and Increased Scrutiny
In light of Saudi Arabia’s pleas, Pakistan’s government has taken steps to address this pressing concern. The Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that a mafia network is believed to be behind the organized export of beggars abroad. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with dismantling this network and ensuring stricter monitoring of frequent travelers to the Middle East.
FIA officers at international airports are now on high alert for individuals frequently traveling for short periods under suspicious circumstances. “In case of suspicion, travelers are off-loaded from airplanes,” reported an FIA officer, reflecting the agency’s commitment to combating this problem.
Recently, 11 suspected beggars were removed from a flight bound for Saudi Arabia at Karachi’s airport, indicating that authorities are taking actionable steps to curb this issue.
Impact on Legitimate Travelers
The repercussions of this epidemic extend beyond the beggars themselves. Legitimate Pakistani travelers—including workers and students—are finding it increasingly difficult to secure visas due to the tarnished reputation left by these beggars. Rafia Zakaria remarked on this unfortunate reality, stating, “Millions of Pakistanis who would never even think of begging abroad are stuck at home with their green passports because of some wrongdoers.”
Travel agents have reported that some countries, like the UAE, have begun denying visas to Pakistanis lacking sufficient funds in their accounts, scrutinizing financial stability as a way to weed out potential beggars. “Legitimate travelers must suffer the extra scrutiny at foreign embassies and frequent denial of visas,” Zakaria noted, emphasizing a growing trend that affects many innocents.
The Bigger Picture
This issue paints a grim picture for Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad. With reports indicating that some employers in Gulf nations now prefer to hire workers from countries like Bangladesh due to concerns about the “deplorable standard of the Pakistani workforce,” the overall image of Pakistani professionals is under scrutiny.
The perception that accompanies the export of beggars affects not just individual travelers but also the country’s standing in the eyes of foreign employers and authorities. As more stories emerge of Pakistani nationals misusing travel documents, the potential for increased scrutiny poses a significant barrier for those who seek to travel abroad for legitimate purposes.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Pakistani beggars exploiting Umrah visas is a multifaceted problem requiring swift action from both the government and society. The negative consequences extend far beyond street begging; they impact the lives of countless hardworking Pakistanis trying to improve their circumstances through legitimate means. With tightened measures already in place, citizens hope for a resolution that restores trust and safeguards the integrity of genuine pilgrims and travelers.
The Pakistani government is working hard to solve the problem of poverty. It’s important to help people in need while also making sure that pilgrims are treated well and have meaningful experiences when they travel. By working together, we can change this trend and help improve how people see Pakistani travelers.
