Saudi Arabia has raised alarms over the increasing number of beggars entering the Kingdom from Pakistan on Umrah visas. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has warned the Pakistani government that this issue could harm the reputation of legitimate Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. In response, Pakistan will implement an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies and enhance oversight, while the FIA has been tasked with investigating the networks involved in this exploitation.
In a recent development that has garnered attention, Saudi Arabia has expressed growing concerns regarding the influx of individuals from Pakistan entering the Kingdom under the guise of religious pilgrimage. Reports indicate that a significant number of beggars are arriving in Saudi Arabia using Umrah visas, prompting the Saudi Ministry of Hajj to communicate warnings to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Express Tribune, a Pakistani publication, has cited sources from within the Ministry of Religious Affairs, revealing that if the current trend continues, it could adversely affect the image of Pakistani pilgrims undertaking Umrah and Hajj. As a response to these concerns, the Pakistani government has announced plans to implement an “Umrah Act,” designed to regulate travel agencies that facilitate these pilgrimages, thereby placing them under stringent government oversight. In further efforts to address the issue, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, convened a meeting with Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, assuring that measures would be instituted to combat the networks responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. News reports highlight that many Pakistani nationals may exploit the Umrah visa route to engage in begging activities, as noted by Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, Mr. Zeeshan Khanzada. To combat this issue effectively, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with dismantling the networks facilitating the travel of beggars to Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the statement made by Minister Mohsin, who emphasized that this practice is detrimental to Pakistan’s international standing.
This situation arises against the backdrop of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to maintain a positive relationship with Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding pilgrimage practices such as Umrah and Hajj. As these religious rites are of significant importance to Muslims worldwide, including those in Pakistan, the recent alert from Saudi authorities highlights the increasing scrutiny over immigration practices linked to religious travel. The trade in visa exploitation, particularly through begging, threatens not only the integrity of the pilgrimage experience but also Pakistan’s reputation among its Middle Eastern partners.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s concerns over the misuse of Umrah visas by beggars from Pakistan present a significant challenge for the Pakistani government, which is undertaking steps to regulate travel agencies and enforce stricter measures against those exploiting religious pilgrimage. The establishment of the “Umrah Act” and allocation of responsibilities to the FIA demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to addressing these issues in collaboration with Saudi authorities to protect its honor and the sanctity of religious pilgrimage.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
