Gulf Crackdown: Saudi Arabia Deports 24,000 Pakistani Beggars as UAE Imposes Strict Visa Ban
Islamabad Reels from Global Embarrassment as Gulf Nations Move to Curb Organized Begging Rings and Criminal Activity; Remittances at Risk
RIYADH/DUBAI — In a historic blow to Pakistan’s international reputation, Saudi Arabia has deported roughly 24,000 Pakistani citizens caught in organized begging rings this year. The mass expulsion comes alongside a staggering revelation that nearly 90% of beggars detained in the Middle East are of Pakistani origin.
Adding to the crisis, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly halted the issuance of almost all new visas to Pakistani nationals holding ordinary passports, citing rising concerns over street crime and the misuse of Umrah and tourist visas.
Organized Begging: A National Crisis
The Director General of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Riffat Mukhtar Raja, briefed the National Assembly this week, admitting that organized syndicates are using pilgrimage visas as a gateway for professional begging. “These networks are severely damaging Pakistan’s image globally,” Raja stated.
Reports indicate that Pakistani authorities offloaded over 66,000 passengers at airports this year to prevent suspected beggars from traveling abroad. Despite these efforts, Saudi authorities have expressed “extreme frustration” with the influx of professional mendicants in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
UAE Visa Freeze: Economic Consequences
While the UAE consulate in Karachi officially denies a “blanket ban,” travel agents and interior ministry officials report a 80% rejection rate for first-time applicants and single males.
- Impact on Labour: The UAE is a primary destination for Pakistani workers. A prolonged freeze could trigger a massive drop in foreign remittances, which are vital for Pakistan’s fragile economy.
- Security Scrutiny: UAE authorities have transitioned to high-risk screening algorithms, specifically targeting high-risk profiles to curb criminal activities.
Diplomatic Fallout
The crisis has forced Islamabad into “quiet diplomacy” to prevent a formal, permanent ban. However, with thousands of Pakistanis still unaccounted for in countries like Cambodia and Myanmar, and massive deportations from the Gulf, the Pakistani passport remains under intense global scrutiny, currently ranked among the lowest in mobility.