Saudi Arabia has deported nearly 24,000 Pakistani nationals this year over allegations of organised begging, triggering fresh concerns in Islamabad over Pakistan’s global image. The move comes as several Gulf and other foreign countries step up scrutiny of Pakistani travellers, citing misuse of visas and involvement in illegal activities.
Pakistani authorities admit the issue has grown into a serious challenge, with organised networks allegedly sending people abroad to beg under the cover of tourism, Umrah, and short-term visit visas.
Why Saudi Arabia Deported Thousands of Pakistanis?
According to data shared by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Saudi Arabia sent back around 24,000 Pakistanis in 2025 alone on allegations of begging. Officials say many individuals travelled legally but later engaged in alms-seeking activities, particularly near religious sites.
The issue had already raised an alarm in Riyadh last year. Saudi authorities formally warned Pakistan to stop beggars from misusing Umrah visas to seek money in Mecca and Medina. Officials cautioned that failure to act could impact Pakistani pilgrims travelling for Umrah and Hajj.
UAE Visa Restrictions on Pakistani Citizens Explained
Alongside Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates has also tightened visa rules for Pakistani nationals. UAE authorities cited concerns that some visitors were “getting involved in criminal activities” after entering the country.
Dubai alone deported about 6,000 Pakistani nationals this year, according to FIA figures. Other countries have taken similar steps, with Azerbaijan reportedly deporting nearly 2,500 Pakistani beggars.
What FIA Data Reveals About the Scale of the Problem?
The FIA says organised begging networks are not limited to the Gulf region. FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar revealed that in 2025, authorities offloaded 66,154 passengers at Pakistani airports to prevent illegal migration and dismantle such syndicates.
“These networks are causing reputational damage to Pakistan,” Mukhtar said, adding that similar cases have surfaced involving Africa and Europe. Authorities have also flagged the misuse of tourist visas to destinations like Cambodia and Thailand.
Begging as an Organised Industry
Legal experts in Pakistan have long warned that begging has evolved into a structured enterprise. Writing in Dawn, lawyer Rafia Zakaria described the practice as highly organised rather than driven by poverty.
“One industry in Pakistan that seems to be very organised and has been quite successful in ensuring that its recruits have plenty to do is the begging industry. It is such a successful venture that it has now decided to start exporting to, and expanding in, other countries,” she wrote.
She added,
“As many Pakistanis may have seen for themselves during Hajj, these beggars set up shop outside the holy places in Makkah and Madinah, where they harass foreign pilgrims for money just as they do shoppers in markets across Pakistan.”
Pakistan Government’s Response and Global Impact
Government officials have echoed similar concerns. In 2024, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada said nearly 90% of beggars detained in West Asian countries were Pakistani nationals.
The rising deportations and visa restrictions have pushed Islamabad to tighten exit checks and monitor travel patterns more closely. Authorities say the goal is to protect Pakistan’s reputation and prevent further diplomatic strain with host countries.
What This Means Going Forward?
The growing crackdown highlights how organised begging has become a diplomatic and economic issue for Pakistan. With Gulf nations enforcing stricter visa controls, officials fear legitimate travellers and workers could also face increased scrutiny.
Pakistan now faces pressure to dismantle these networks at home before more countries follow Saudi Arabia and the UAE in imposing restrictions.
