The ministry warned that if the situation is not controlled, it may adversely affect Pakistani Umrah and Haj pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia warns Pakistan on beggars using Umrah visas. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has reportedly warned Pakistan against the entry of beggars into the kingdom under Umrah visas and stressed precautionary measures.
According to media reports, Saudi authorities have expressed concern over the increasing number of Pakistani beggars arriving in Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas.
The ministry warned that if the situation is not controlled, it may adversely affect Pakistani Umrah and Haj pilgrims.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to introduce an “Umrah Act”, which aims to bring under legal supervision travel agencies that facilitate Umrah travel.
Additionally, the ministry has approached the government of Pakistan to find ways to prevent beggars from traveling to Saudi Arabia under the guise of religious pilgrimage.
Earlier, in a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al Maliki, Mohsin assured the Saudi ambassador that strict action will be taken against the mafia responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with cracking down on the network, which Mohsin said was damaging Pakistan’s image.
The FIA has been directed to crack down on mafias who send beggars to Saudi Arabia.
