Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj has issued a stern warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, expressing deep concern over the increasing number of Pakistani beggars entering the kingdom under Umrah visas.
The Saudi ministry has urged Pakistan to take immediate and decisive action to prevent this practice.
These individuals, often organized by unscrupulous syndicates, are exploiting the religious pilgrimage as a means to engage in begging activities, which is strictly prohibited in the kingdom.
The Saudi ministry has warned that if the situation is not addressed promptly and effectively, it could have severe consequences for Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
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The Saudi government may impose stricter visa regulations or even impose travel restrictions on Pakistani citizens if the problem persists.
In response to the Saudi government’s concerns, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has taken steps to address the issue.
The ministry has announced plans to introduce an “Umrah Act,” which aims to regulate travel agencies facilitating Umrah trips. The act will bring these agencies under stricter legal oversight, ensuring that they adhere to ethical standards and do not engage in fraudulent practices.
The ministry is working with the relevant government departments, including the Interior Ministry and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to develop strategies to identify and apprehend individuals involved in these activities.
In a recent meeting between Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, Mohsin assured the Saudi envoy that the Pakistani government would take stringent measures to address the issue.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with cracking down on the network responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. The FIA has been directed to conduct thorough investigations and apprehend those involved in these illegal activities.
