Saudi Arabia Urges Pakistan to Curb Influx of Beggars Under Umrah Visas

Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the influx of beggars from Pakistan arriving under Umrah visas, threatening the reputation of Pakistani pilgrims. In response, Pakistan plans to introduce an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies and eliminate the issue. The FIA is tasked with dismantling networks involved in this exploitation, as Pakistani officials acknowledge the harmful impact on the nation’s image.

Saudi Arabia has expressed significant concerns regarding the increasing number of beggars arriving from Pakistan under the guise of religious pilgrimages, specifically via Umrah visas. A report published by the Express Tribune highlights that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has formally issued a warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, emphasizing that if this trend continues unaddressed, it could adversely affect the reputation and traffic of Pakistani pilgrims intending to perform Umrah and Hajj. In response to these alarming concerns, the Pakistani government has proposed the establishment of an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies that coordinate Umrah trips. This act aims to create a structured legal framework to ensure that appropriate measures are taken against any illegal activities linked to these pilgrimages. In a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Saudi Ambassador, Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, commitments were made to implement stringent measures to counter the networks facilitating the migration of beggars to Saudi Arabia. Pakistani officials have recognized the issue, with Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada clarifying that many beggars travel to the Middle East under false pretenses, masking their activities as ziarat (pilgrimage). The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has been designated to dismantle the syndicates responsible for sending these individuals abroad, as Minister Mohsin noted that such actions are detrimental to Pakistan’s international image.

The situation stems from a recurring problem where individuals exploit religious travel opportunities to engage in begging upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia. With a growing number of Pakistani nationals seeking Umrah visas, there has been an alarming rise in the cases of misuse of these opportunities, prompting Saudi authorities to take notice. The fears expressed by Saudi officials relate to the potential consequences this trend might have on genuine pilgrims, thereby necessitating immediate and effective action from the Pakistani government. The proposed “Umrah Act” represents a decisive step by Pakistan to address these concerns and restore the sanctity of religious tourism.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s stern warning regarding the influx of beggars from Pakistan under Umrah visas has prompted significant action from the Pakistani government. The proposed “Umrah Act” indicates a serious commitment to regulating travel agencies and preventing the misuse of pilgrimage opportunities for begging. With the establishment of a collaborative framework between the Pakistani authorities and the Saudi government, it is hoped that Pakistan can preserve its standing in the realm of religious tourism and uphold the dignity of its pilgrims.

Original Source: indianexpress.com

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