Saudi Arabia Deports 56,000 Pakistanis Over Begging at Holy Sites
Pakistanis defy bans, flood abroad for organized begging.
Saudi Arabia has taken decisive action by deporting around 56,000 Pakistani nationals in recent months for persistently engaging in begging activities, especially in and around the sacred sites of Mecca and Medina, where many have exploited Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage visas intended for religious purposes to instead solicit alms on the streets.
Despite vigorous domestic efforts by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency, which offloaded a staggering 66,154 suspicious passengers throughout 2025 to disrupt the operations of organized begging syndicates attempting to travel abroad, thousands continue to circumvent restrictions, including placement on the Exit Control List, highlighting the entrenched nature of these professional networks.
The widespread phenomenon of professional beggars systematically obtaining visas to operate in foreign cities has inflicted considerable damage on Pakistan's global reputation, as these individuals often employ manipulative tactics to target pilgrims and residents, prompting widespread criticism and embarrassment among the Pakistani diaspora and genuine travelers alike.
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Host nations across West Asia, including the United Arab Emirates—which recently suspended most visa issuances to Pakistani citizens citing involvement in begging and other criminal activities—as well as Kuwait, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan, have increasingly reported similar issues, with regional authorities estimating that up to 90% of all apprehended beggars originate from Pakistan, leading to heightened visa scrutiny that adversely impacts legitimate workers, students, and pilgrims.
This escalating crisis not only strains diplomatic relations but also imposes severe repercussions on law-abiding Pakistani citizens seeking opportunities abroad, as tightened immigration policies and rising visa rejection rates reflect the broader fallout from the unchecked activities of these organized groups, underscoring the urgent need for more effective countermeasures to restore credibility and protect national interests.
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