Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:00am on 20 Dec 2025,Saturday International
Saudi Arabia deported 24,000 Pakistani nationals this year over begging allegations, while the UAE imposed visa restrictions citing criminal activities. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency offloaded 66,154 passengers at airports in 2025 to dismantle organized begging syndicates. FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar confirmed the networks cause reputational damage, with similar cases detected in Africa, Europe, Cambodia, and Thailand. Dubai deported approximately 6,000 individuals, while Azerbaijan sent back 2,500 Pakistani beggars. Saudi Arabia previously urged Pakistan to prevent exploitation of Umrah visas for begging in Mecca and Medina. Legal experts describe begging as a highly structured enterprise, with government officials estimating 90% of beggars detained in West Asia are Pakistani nationals. (PC: AFP)
