The diplomatic ties between Pakistan and its Middle Eastern allies are facing a unique and embarrassing challenge. In recent months, news regarding Gulf Visa Restrictions has dominated headlines as nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) grow increasingly frustrated with an organized “begging mafia.” This criminal network, which “exports” professional beggars under the guise of religious pilgrims or tourists, has forced Gulf authorities to reconsider their visa policies for Pakistani nationals.
For the millions of genuine workers and tourists who rely on these travel corridors, the situation is becoming critical. As of 2025 and early 2026, the Pakistani government has launched a massive crackdown to salvage its international reputation and ensure that travel remains open for legitimate citizens.
1. The Shocking “90% Statistic”
The scale of the problem was laid bare in recent briefings to the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis. Officials revealed a staggering statistic: approximately 90% of the beggars arrested in foreign countries—specifically in the Middle East—are of Pakistani origin.
These individuals often travel on Umrah or visit visas, only to be found begging at holy sites like Mecca’s Grand Mosque or in the busy commercial districts of Dubai and Doha. This high percentage has made Gulf Visa Restrictions a matter of necessity for host countries looking to maintain public order and the sanctity of religious sites.
2. Saudi Arabia’s Stern Warning to Islamabad
Saudi Arabia, the primary destination for Pakistani pilgrims, has been the most vocal. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj recently issued a formal warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. The message was clear: if the influx of professional beggars is not controlled, it could negatively impact the issuance of Umrah and Hajj visas for all Pakistani citizens.
This warning has sent shockwaves through the travel industry. According to reports from The Express Tribune, the Saudi authorities are concerned that the behavior of these organized rings is ruining the experience for genuine worshippers from around the globe.
3. The FIA’s Massive Airport Crackdown
In response to these international pressures, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its screening processes at all major airports. The numbers are unprecedented. In 2025 alone, more than 66,000 passengers were offloaded from flights destined for Gulf nations after failing to prove they had sufficient funds or valid travel arrangements.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered a “zero-tolerance” policy. The FIA Immigration Wing now questions travelers—especially those on frequent short-term trips—about their profession, bank balance, and hotel bookings. While this is necessary to curb the mafia, it has unfortunately placed genuine travelers at a disadvantage, leading to increased scrutiny and longer wait times.
4. The Emergence of the ‘Umrah Act’
To provide a legal framework for this crackdown, the Pakistani government is introducing the “Umrah Act.” This legislation aims to:
- Regulate travel agencies more strictly.
- Hold agents legally responsible for the behavior of the groups they send abroad.
- Impose heavy fines and license cancellations for agencies found in collusion with begging rings.
By formalizing the travel process, the government hopes to ease Gulf Visa Restrictions by showing the international community that it is taking structural steps to eliminate the “begging mafia.”
5. Passport Bans and the Exit Control List (ECL)
The crackdown isn’t just happening at the departure gate; it’s also affecting those who have already been deported. More than 4,300 individuals identified as part of these begging rings have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) or the Passport Control List (PCL).
Current policies now involve blocking the passports of deportees for up to five years. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently highlighted that these gangs are often “socially respectable individuals” who act as contractors, recruiting vulnerable people from regions like Southern Punjab to work as professional beggars overseas.
6. Impact on the Global Image and Remittances
Pakistan is critically dependent on remittances sent by its diaspora in the Middle East. With over 3 million Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia and 1.5 million in the UAE, any permanent or long-term Gulf Visa Restrictions could be catastrophic for the national economy.
Business leaders have expressed concern that the “beggar mafia” label is overshadowing the contributions of skilled Pakistani professionals. Reports from Business Recorder suggest that the reputation of Pakistani labor is being tarnished, making it harder for engineers, doctors, and technicians to secure work permits compared to competitors from India or Bangladesh.
7. How to Navigate Travel Amidst Restrictions
For legitimate travelers, navigating the current environment requires extra preparation. To ensure your travel isn’t interrupted by the ongoing crackdown, follow these essential steps:
5 Proven Steps to Secure Your Travel
- Maintain Clear Documentation: Ensure you have a confirmed return ticket and a valid hotel booking that can be verified by immigration officials.
- Prove Financial Stability: Carry proof of sufficient funds (cash or credit cards) to support your stay. FIA officials often offload passengers who cannot explain how they will afford their trip.
- Avoid Unverified Agents: Only book through registered and reputable travel agencies. Avoid “deals” that seem too good to be true, as these are often front for smuggling rings.
- Know Your Itinerary: Be prepared to answer questions about your destination, your purpose of visit, and your planned activities. Vague answers are a major red flag for the FIA.
- Check Your Status: Before heading to the airport, ensure your name is not on any watchlists if you have had any previous immigration issues.
