The Saudi Ministry of Hajj raised the issue with Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging them to prevent beggars from entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas. Concerns were voiced about the increasing number of Pakistani beggars using Umrah visas to enter the country, potentially harming the reputation of legitimate Pakistani pilgrims.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to introduce an “Umrah Act,” designed to bring travel agencies under stricter legal regulations. This initiative aims to curb the misuse of visas and monitor travel agencies that facilitate Umrah trips.
Additionally, the ministry has sought help from the Pakistani government to stop beggars from exploiting religious pilgrimage visas to enter Saudi Arabia.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki that measures would be taken against those involved in sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. The FIA has already made progress, offloading 11 suspected beggars from a Saudi-bound flight at Karachi airport after they admitted their intent to beg in the kingdom.
The issue has also been highlighted by Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, during a Senate committee meeting. He noted concerns from Gulf countries over the behavior and work ethics of some Pakistani workers, which is causing reputational damage and increased scrutiny for Pakistani nationals abroad.
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