Saudi Arabia has voiced significant concerns about the increasing number of Pakistani nationals arriving in the Kingdom on Umrah visas, with reports indicating that many are engaging in begging. The Saudi authorities have issued a stern warning to the Pakistani government, urging immediate action to address this troubling trend. They emphasized that failure to tackle the issue could adversely affect the reputation of Pakistani pilgrims participating in both Umrah and Hajj.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has formally alerted Islamabad about the rising incidents of beggars exploiting religious pilgrimage as a cover for entry. Officials fear that the actions of these individuals are tarnishing the image of all Pakistani pilgrims, potentially leading to stricter scrutiny of future travelers from Pakistan.
In response to these concerns, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs is reportedly developing an “Umrah Act” aimed at regulating travel agencies that facilitate Umrah trips. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki of the Pakistani government’s commitment to implementing stringent measures to curb this issue. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with leading a crackdown on individuals misusing Umrah visas, with plans to hold accountable those who exploit their pilgrimage status.
This situation is not unprecedented; Pakistani officials have previously faced similar complaints from several Gulf countries regarding the behavior of some Pakistani nationals. Concerns have been raised about their work ethics and involvement in unsanctioned activities, which have affected the perception of Pakistanis in the region.
As Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain the sanctity of its holy sites and ensure the dignity of all pilgrims, the Pakistani government is under pressure to respond effectively and restore confidence in its citizens traveling for religious purposes.