Pakistan’s international reputation has come under increasing strain as countries in West Asia intensify scrutiny of Pakistani nationals over allegations of organised begging and criminal activity. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of the most important destinations for Pakistani travellers and workers, have taken firm action that has resulted in mass deportations and tighter visa controls.
According to Pakistani officials, Saudi Arabia has deported nearly 56,000 Pakistani nationals on accusations of begging. The UAE has also introduced stricter visa rules for most Pakistani citizens, citing concerns that some visitors were engaging in criminal behaviour after entering the country.
Data released by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) highlights the scale of the problem. In 2025 alone, FIA officials prevented 66,154 passengers from travelling abroad by offloading them at airports as part of a broader crackdown on organised begging syndicates and illegal migration networks.
FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar has acknowledged that these networks are inflicting serious reputational damage on Pakistan and are spread across multiple regions rather than being confined to isolated areas. He stated that Saudi Arabia deported about 24,000 Pakistanis this year on allegations of begging, while authorities in Dubai returned approximately 6,000 individuals. Azerbaijan also reportedly deported around 2,500 Pakistani beggars.
Officials say the problem extends beyond the Middle East. Cases have emerged involving travel to Africa and Europe, as well as the misuse of tourist visas for destinations such as Cambodia and Thailand, further complicating Pakistan’s diplomatic relations.
Saudi authorities had already raised alarms in 2024, formally urging Islamabad to prevent Pakistani nationals from misusing Umrah visas to solicit alms in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Riyadh warned that failure to act could lead to broader restrictions affecting Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
Legal experts argue that the issue is deeply rooted. In a commentary published in Dawn, lawyer Rafia Zakaria described begging in Pakistan as a highly organised enterprise that has expanded beyond national borders. She noted that Pakistani beggars have increasingly been seen outside holy sites in Mecca and Medina, targeting pilgrims in a manner similar to practices observed in domestic markets.
Senior Pakistani officials have echoed these concerns. In 2024, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada stated that nearly 90 per cent of beggars detained in several West Asian countries were Pakistani nationals.
Despite repeated deportations, diplomatic warnings and stricter visa policies, organised begging networks linked to Pakistan continue to operate internationally. The ongoing situation has led to growing diplomatic embarrassment, reduced travel opportunities for ordinary citizens, and a steadily worsening global perception of Pakistan.