Saudi Arabia Reduces Visas for Pakistanis After Begging Cases

In a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, government officials revealed that Saudi Arabia has significantly reduced the number of visas issued to Pakistani citizens. The decision comes in response to growing concerns over illegal activities, particularly begging by Pakistani nationals in the kingdom.

During the committee session, officials stated that Saudi authorities have become stricter with visa approvals due to repeated incidents of Pakistani individuals involved in begging on the streets. This behavior has not only created embarrassment but has also damaged Pakistan’s image in a key allied country.

“The reputation of our country is at stake,” said Senator Khanzada, while urging authorities to take serious action. Committee members were shocked by the report and demanded to know what steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Officials informed the committee that show-cause notices have already been issued to officers responsible for poor oversight. However, several senators pushed for tougher measures, including the removal of negligent officers. They argued that light penalties would not be enough to stop the issue from growing.

Another problem raised during the meeting was the misuse of Umrah visas. According to officials, many Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah but then overstay their visas illegally. Some of these overstayers engage in low-paying, undocumented work or even resort to begging, further straining Saudi-Pakistan relations.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented alarming figures to support these concerns. Since 2023, around 52,000 Pakistanis have been deported from Saudi Arabia. Out of these, about 5,000 were found involved in begging in the last two years alone.

“These numbers are extremely worrying,” said one FIA representative. “They show a pattern that cannot be ignored.”

The committee called for stricter background checks, better awareness campaigns, and stronger action from Pakistani embassies abroad. It also emphasized the need to educate citizens on the legal and religious consequences of abusing visa rules and harming the country’s global standing.

At the end of the meeting, members agreed that Pakistan must take urgent steps to address the situation. They stressed that if these issues continue, Pakistani workers may face even more restrictions in countries like Saudi Arabia, which could affect remittances and job opportunities for thousands of families back home.

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