The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken action against a group of sixteen individuals who were arrested at Multan airport for attempting to enter Saudi Arabia under the guise of Umrah pilgrims but with the intention of begging. This group included 11 women, 4 men, and a child.
During the immigration process, these passengers admitted to FIA officials that their purpose for traveling to Saudi Arabia was to engage in begging activities. They also disclosed that they were expected to share half of their earnings from begging with the agents who had arranged their travel. Once their visas expired, they were supposed to return to Pakistan.
In light of this growing issue, the FIA Multan Circle has apprehended these passengers for legal proceedings. It’s worth noting that a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis highlighted the rising trend of beggars from Pakistan seeking opportunities abroad.
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Secretary Zulfikar Haider revealed that a significant number of beggars arrested in foreign countries were of Pakistani origin, and some exploited pilgrim visas to travel to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. This development underscores the need for greater vigilance and regulation in the process of overseas travel.
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