Pakistan is facing growing international scrutiny over the problem of organised begging, especially involving its nationals travelling abroad. In a major development, Saudi Arabia has deported around 56,000 Pakistani beggars. In contrast, Pakistani authorities themselves offloaded nearly 66,000 travellers in 2025 who were suspected of flying overseas with the intention to beg, particularly to Riyadh and other Gulf cities. These figures highlight how begging has transformed from a domestic social issue into a cross-border embarrassment for Pakistan.
Why Saudi Arabia Deported Pakistani Beggars
Saudi authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over foreign nationals misusing Umrah, visit, and short-term visas for begging. According to official data shared with Pakistan, tens of thousands of Pakistani citizens were found begging near mosques, markets, and public places. Saudi Arabia views such activity as a violation of visa conditions and local laws, leading to mass deportations and stricter monitoring of Pakistani arrivals.
Pakistan’s Own Crackdown at Airports
In response to pressure from Gulf countries, Pakistan intensified screening at international airports. As a result, around 66,000 passengers were offloaded in 2025 alone, many of whom were bound for Riyadh. These travellers were flagged based on profiling indicators such as:
Lack of sufficient funds or return tickets
Suspicious travel histories
Links to known begging networks
Inconsistent travel explanations
Pakistani authorities admitted that a significant number of offloaded passengers intended to engage in begging abroad, not employment or pilgrimage.
Organised Begging Networks Behind the Numbers
Officials and investigators point out that this is not merely a poverty-driven issue. Beggar mafias operate across Pakistan, recruiting people from poor regions and sending them abroad with instructions on where and how to beg. In many cases:
Agents arrange visas and tickets
Begging locations are pre-decided
Earnings are shared with handlers
Repeat travel is planned
This organised structure explains why the same problem keeps surfacing despite repeated deportations.
Impact on Pakistan’s Global Image
The deportation of 56,000 beggars from Saudi Arabia has caused serious reputational damage. Pakistan has already been flagged by several Gulf nations for the same issue, resulting in:
Stricter visa scrutiny
Increased airport profiling
Delays and rejections for genuine travellers
Diplomatic discomfort
Experts warn that continued misuse of visas could hurt Pakistani workers, pilgrims, and students who travel legally.
Economic and Social Roots of the Crisis
While organised crime plays a role, underlying factors cannot be ignored. These include:
Rising inflation and unemployment
Weak social welfare systems
Limited rehabilitation for the poor
Easy money through begging networks
For many, begging becomes a business rather than a last resort.
Legal Position and Weak Enforcement
Begging is illegal under Pakistani law, yet enforcement remains inconsistent. Police action usually targets individuals, while network operators remain untouched. Without dismantling the organised chains, offloading passengers and deportations only provide temporary relief.
Government Measures and Their Limitations
Pakistan has announced several steps, including:
Enhanced airport surveillance
Data sharing with Gulf countries
Blacklisting repeat offenders
Awareness drives
However, experts argue these measures focus more on damage control than long-term solutions.
What Needs to Be Done
Policy analysts suggest a multi-pronged approach:
Crack down on beggar mafias and agents
Create mandatory rehabilitation and skill programmes
Regulate charity to prevent misuse
Improve social security for the poorest
Coordinate between FIA, police, and welfare departments
Conclusion
The deportation of 56,000 Pakistani beggars from Saudi Arabia and the offloading of 66,000 suspected travellers underline a deep-rooted crisis. Begging abroad is no longer an isolated issue but a systemic failure involving poverty, crime, and weak governance. Unless Pakistan addresses the problem at its roots, airport checks and deportations will continue, further damaging the country’s global standing.
