Saudi Arabia Urges Pakistan to Curb Beggars Utilizing Umrah Visas

Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about Pakistani beggars arriving on Umrah visas, prompting the Pakistani government to implement an ‘Umrah Act’ to regulate travel agencies involved in pilgrimage trips. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has warned that if the situation remains unaddressed, it may adversely affect future pilgrimages for Pakistanis.

In a development that has created a diplomatic challenge for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has expressed serious concerns regarding the influx of beggars arriving in the Kingdom under the guise of religious pilgrimage. Reports from the Express Tribune indicate that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has formally communicated with Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging immediate corrective measures to address the issue. The repercussions of failing to manage this situation could adversely affect the flow of Pakistani pilgrims traveling for Umrah and Hajj. The Saudi authorities have warned that continued noncompliance could jeopardize the future of these religious visits for Pakistani pilgrims. In response, Pakistan is set to introduce an “Umrah Act,” aimed at regulating the operations of travel agencies facilitating Umrah trips. This initiative seeks to establish a legal framework with government oversight to ensure compliance and integrity in pilgrimage-related travel.

The context of this situation stems from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to maintain the sanctity and order of pilgrimage activities, especially during Umrah, a significant religious observance for Muslims. The Kingdom has increasingly scrutinized the activities of foreign nationals arriving under pilgrimage visas, especially when they engage in activities that are inconsistent with the purpose of their visit. The growing number of individuals masquerading as pilgrims but engaging in begging has raised alarms, leading to this recent diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

In summary, Pakistan faces a pressing challenge as it works to mitigate the concerns raised by Saudi Arabia regarding beggars entering the Kingdom under Umrah visas. The impending introduction of the Umrah Act and the involvement of the Federal Investigation Agency signifies Pakistan’s commitment to addressing this issue head-on. Continuous cooperation between the two nations will be essential to uphold the integrity of religious pilgrimages and preserve the reputation of Pakistani pilgrims.

Original Source: indianexpress.com