The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has warned Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to take action against the rising number of Pakistani beggars entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas.

Saudi authorities expressed concern over the increasing presence of these individuals, warning that it could negatively impact Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs is planning to introduce an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies and prevent misuse of Umrah visas.

The ministry has also sought help from the Pakistani government to stop beggars from traveling to Saudi Arabia under the pretense of religious pilgrimage.

During a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, Mohsin assured that strict measures would be taken against the mafias involved in sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with dismantling this network, which is damaging Pakistan’s reputation.

Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, raised this issue during a Senate committee meeting, noting that several Gulf countries have expressed concerns about the behavior and ethics of overseas Pakistani workers, further affecting their image abroad.

Recently, the FIA offloaded 11 alleged beggars from a Saudi-bound flight at Karachi airport, where the passengers admitted their intention to beg in Saudi Arabia.