Saudi Arabia deports 24,000 Pakistanis, here's the reason

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Saudi Arabia has deported 24,000 Pakistani citizens accused of begging. Riffat Mukhtar, Director General of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), told a parliamentary committee. He said these people had misused Umrah and tourist visas to reach Saudi Arabia and were found begging around holy sites like Mecca and Medina.

According to the FIA, more than 24,000 Pakistani nationals have been deported from Saudi Arabia this year alone. This action was taken as part of a crackdown on organized begging networks and illegal activities. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have tightened surveillance following growing concerns about alleged criminal activities by Pakistani nationals abroad. Pakistani officials believe such incidents are seriously damaging the country's international image.

The UAE has also imposed visa restrictions on many Pakistani citizens. Dubai authorities have deported nearly 6,000 Pakistanis, while Azerbaijan has expelled approximately 2,500 Pakistanis accused of begging.

FIA figures highlight the severity of the problem. In 2025, 66,154 passengers were prevented from traveling at airports during crackdowns on illegal immigration and begging gangs. FIA chief Riffat Mukhtar said the problem isn't limited to the Gulf countries. Cases of tourist visa abuse have also been reported in countries like Cambodia and Thailand, as well as in Africa and Europe.

It is worth noting that in 2024, Saudi Arabia formally urged Pakistan to strictly prohibit those abusing Umrah visas to beg in Mecca and Medina. The Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs warned that failure to do so could result in serious consequences for Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.