UAE and Saudi Arabia Crack Down on Pakistani Begging Operations

The international standing of Pakistan faces renewed scrutiny as organized begging and unlawful activities by its citizens come to light in various countries. Recent reports confirm that Saudi Arabia has expelled around 24,000 Pakistani nationals for their involvement in begging activities. This development has sparked global interest and raised alarms within Pakistan, where officials worry about the potential long-term fallout on the nation’s reputation. It is believed that these incidents are not merely isolated; they are indicative of broader organized syndicates exploiting migration opportunities.

Additionally, the United Arab Emirates has reinforced its visa protocols concerning Pakistani travelers. UAE officials revealed that a number of individuals from Pakistan engaged in illicit activities upon their arrival in the country. As a result, visa applications are now under much stricter review. Statistics from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) indicate that over 66,000 individuals were stopped at airports in 2025 on suspicions of being linked to illegal migration or begging syndicates, necessitating action to dismantle these networks.

FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar stated that these organized endeavors severely undermine Pakistan’s international image. He pointed out that the challenge extends beyond Gulf nations, with similar incidents reported in regions of Africa and Europe. Authorities have also noticed potential tourist visa abuse in places like Cambodia and Thailand. In addition to the expulsions from Saudi Arabia, about 6,000 Pakistanis have been sent back from Dubai this year, while Azerbaijan has rejected nearly 2,500 Pakistani beggars, escalating governmental concerns.

Tensions had already been brewing with Saudi Arabia over this issue. Last year, Saudi officials formally requested Pakistan to curb the misuse of Umrah visas for begging. The Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs cautioned that continued malpractice could lead to severe limitations on Pakistani Umrah and Hajj travelers. Legal experts in Pakistan have also raised warnings that failing to address these concerns could result in stricter travel regulations and further jeopardize the country’s international reputation.