16 Pakistani beggars attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia for begging were apprehended and detained.

16 Pakistanis Disguised as Pilgrims Apprehended for Begging in Saudi Arabia

NEW DELHI: At least 16 individuals from Pakistan disguised as pilgrims were prevented from boarding a flight bound for Saudi Arabia and subsequently apprehended for attempting to enter the Gulf Kingdom for the purpose of begging, according to a report published in the Dawn newspaper.

Details of the Incident

The group consisted of 16 individuals, including one child, 11 women, and four men, all traveling on Umrah visas. Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year. During the immigration process, the passengers admitted their intention to travel to Saudi Arabia to seek alms. They also disclosed that they were obliged to give half of their earnings from begging to the agents responsible for arranging their travel.

Crackdown on Illicit Trafficking of Beggars

These arrests occurred shortly after the ministry of overseas Pakistanis and human resource development revealed to the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that a significant number of beggars are illicitly trafficked abroad. Pakistani beggars often travel to the Middle East under the guise of ‘ziyarat’ (pilgrimage). Many people visit Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas and then engage in begging-related activities, explained Secretary Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada during a Senate standing committee meeting last month. He added that both the Iraqi and Saudi ambassadors have reported overcrowded jails due to these arrests.

Watch: Why 107 Pakistanis Traveled to India’s Uttarakhand Amid Heavy Security

Conclusion

• 16 individuals from Pakistan disguised as pilgrims were apprehended for attempting to enter Saudi Arabia for the purpose of begging.
• The group consisted of one child, 11 women, and four men, all traveling on Umrah visas.
• During the immigration process, the passengers admitted their intention to seek alms in Saudi Arabia.
• Pakistani beggars often travel to the Middle East under the guise of pilgrimage.
• Overcrowded jails have been reported in Iraq and Saudi Arabia due to the arrest of these beggars.