Pakistan Tightens Umrah Policy to Combat Begging in Saudi Arabia Stringent Measures Against Begging Mafia

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The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced several measures to address this issue, including requiring pilgrims to sign an affidavit before departing for Umrah, pledging not to engage in begging. Violators of this affidavit will face strict legal repercussions. Additionally, Umrah pilgrims will now be permitted to travel only in groups, a move designed to enhance accountability and reduce the likelihood of begging.

Tour operators will also be mandated to obtain affidavits from pilgrims, making them complicit in the effort to prevent begging. Sources indicate that the government is serious about tackling this problem, as it has strained Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.

In a related crackdown, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recently conducted operations in various areas of Multan, resulting in the arrest of four travel agents accused of facilitating citizens’ journeys to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of begging. The arrested individuals—identified as Sadiq Hussain, Mohammad Ejaz, Ghulam, and Ghulam Yaseen—were apprehended based on information provided by previously detained individuals. According to an FIA spokesperson, these agents allegedly sent citizens to Saudi Arabia to beg and collected a share of the earnings.

The new measures reflect the Pakistani government's commitment to preserving the dignity of its citizens abroad and maintaining strong ties with Saudi Arabia.