Saudi Arabia has taken a strict stance against illegal begging by deporting nearly 56,000 Pakistani nationals from the Kingdom. These individuals were found misusing Umrah and visit visas to engage in begging activities, particularly around Islam’s holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah. The move has once again drawn global attention to Pakistan’s long-standing and deeply rooted begging industry, which is estimated to be worth around $42 billion annually.

Crackdown in Saudi Arabia Over Misuse of Religious Visas

According to officials, the increasing number of foreign beggars—especially from Pakistan—forced Saudi authorities to take decisive action. Many of those deported had entered the country on religious or short-term visit visas but were later caught soliciting money from pilgrims outside mosques and public places. This not only violated Saudi laws but also caused inconvenience to millions of worshippers visiting the holy cities.

Saudi authorities had reportedly issued multiple warnings in the past, urging Pakistan to prevent such individuals from travelling abroad under false pretenses. When the situation failed to improve, Riyadh initiated mass deportations and tightened visa scrutiny.

UAE and Other Gulf Nations Also Raise Red Flags

The issue is not limited to Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also imposed visa restrictions on Pakistani citizens after several cases emerged involving organized begging rings and petty crimes. Reports indicate that nearly 90% of beggars arrested in several West Asian countries are of Pakistani origin, raising serious concerns about human trafficking and organized exploitation.

Gulf nations have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction, warning that continued negligence could lead to broader visa bans affecting genuine travelers, workers, and pilgrims.

Pakistan Under Pressure to Act

Facing mounting international pressure, Pakistan has been forced to take corrective measures. Authorities have placed thousands of suspected beggars on the no-fly list to prevent them from travelling abroad. In 2025 alone, over 66,000 suspicious passengers were stopped at Pakistani airports before boarding international flights.

Despite these steps, critics argue that enforcement remains weak and reactive rather than preventive, allowing organized begging networks to continue operating domestically and internationally.

Begging as a Structured Industry in Pakistan

Begging in Pakistan is not merely a result of poverty—it has evolved into a highly organized and profitable industry. According to reports published by Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the country had around 38 million beggars in 2024, the highest number globally.

What makes the issue more alarming is that begging is often systematically taught and trained. Individuals, including women and children, are coached on how to appear vulnerable, emotionally manipulate passersby, and maximize daily earnings. Some are even trained in basic “marketing skills” to increase collections in crowded urban areas and religious locations.

How Much Do Pakistani Beggars Earn?

The scale of earnings highlights why the practice continues unchecked. Estimates suggest that Pakistani beggars collectively collect around 32 billion Pakistani rupees every day. On an individual level:

• In Karachi, a beggar earns an average of PKR 2,000 per day

• In Lahore, daily earnings are around PKR 1,400

• In Islamabad, beggars make approximately PKR 950 per day

• The national daily average stands close to PKR 850

These figures often surpass the daily wages of unskilled laborers, making begging a financially attractive option for many.

International Begging Rackets and National Embarrassment

Investigations have revealed that many beggars travelling abroad are part of organized international rackets. They obtain visas specifically to target foreign countries where currency value is higher and enforcement is relatively lenient toward tourists.

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry had repeatedly cautioned Pakistan to curb this practice. Failure to act prompted warnings of visa suspensions, which could impact millions of legitimate Pakistani pilgrims and workers.

Notably, Pakistan’s own defense minister has publicly admitted that these beggars are damaging the country’s global image, calling the issue a source of national embarrassment.

A Growing Challenge with Global Consequences

The deportation of 56,000 Pakistani beggars by Saudi Arabia is not just a law enforcement action—it is a wake-up call. Without strict domestic reforms, better monitoring, and rehabilitation programs, Pakistan risks further international isolation and tighter travel restrictions.

As Gulf nations continue to strengthen immigration controls, experts warn that unless the root causes of organized begging are addressed, the problem will persist—at a significant cost to Pakistan’s reputation and its citizens’ mobility worldwide.