Pakistani Umrah pilgrims may face stricter visa regulations as authorities crack down on beggars entering Saudi Arabia under the guise of religious pilgrims.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has been instructed to address the mafias responsible for sending these beggars to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ministry has urged Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to take immediate action to prevent further exploitation of Umrah visas.
Saudi officials are particularly worried that the influx of beggars entering the country on Umrah visas could damage the reputation of genuine Pakistani pilgrims, potentially leading to more visa rejections for those planning to undertake the pilgrimage.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced plans to introduce an “Umrah Act.” This new legislation will bring travel agencies under stricter regulation to ensure that only legitimate pilgrims are granted visas. The act will also help monitor travel agencies to curb the misuse of Umrah visas for unlawful purposes.
The Pakistani government has also been enlisted to help stop the flow of beggars using religious pilgrimage visas.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki that the government would take necessary measures to combat this issue.
In a recent move, the FIA offloaded 11 suspected beggars from a Saudi-bound flight at Karachi airport after they confessed their intention to beg in the kingdom.
Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, highlighted the growing concern during a Senate committee meeting.
He mentioned that several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have expressed concerns over the behavior and work ethics of some Pakistani workers, contributing to the heightened scrutiny of Pakistani nationals abroad.
As a result, Pakistani pilgrims could face increased difficulties in obtaining Umrah visas until stricter measures are in place to prevent the misuse of these visas for unlawful activities.
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