Saudi Arabia has raised alarms over the incoming number of beggars from Pakistan who are allegedly exploiting Umrah visas for begging. In response, Pakistan has planned to implement the “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies and a crackdown on networks sending beggars, aiming to protect its image and maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia.
In a concerning development for Pakistan, Saudi Arabian authorities have expressed reservations regarding the influx of beggars arriving from Islamabad under the guise of religious pilgrimage. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has reportedly warned Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs of potential repercussions on the influx of Pakistani pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj if the issue of beggars is not addressed. This warning emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent beggars from exploiting Umrah visas to enter the kingdom. To counter this pressing issue, the Pakistani government has proposed the introduction of an “Umrah Act”, aimed at regulating travel agencies facilitating Umrah trips. This act is intended to ensure these agencies operate within a legal framework that includes government oversight. In response to the situation, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened a meeting with the Saudi ambassador, Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, during which he assured that stringent measures would be enacted to dismantle the networks sending beggars to Saudi Arabia, thereby safeguarding Pakistan’s international reputation. Reports indicate that Pakistani nationals often misconstrue their pilgrimage trips, frequently engaging in begging activities once they are abroad. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with eliminating the organized networks that utilize religious pilgrimage as a pretext for sending individuals abroad to beg. Minister Naqvi noted that the actions of these individuals were detrimental to Pakistan’s image on the world stage.
The issue of beggars traveling to Saudi Arabia under the pretext of religious pilgrimage has surfaced as a significant concern for both the Saudi Arabian government and Pakistan. As pilgrimage season draws near, the Saudi authorities have become increasingly vigilant regarding the integrity of the Umrah visa system. The rise in the number of beggars accompanying pilgrims has prompted officials to take action, not only to protect the sanctity of religious practices but also to maintain the bilateral relations between the two nations. The Saudi Arabian government, responsible for millions of Umrah pilgrims yearly, has outlined its zero-tolerance policy towards misuse of pilgrimage visas, apprehensive that such activities may tarnish the image of the Saudi Kingdom as a welcoming host for religious seekers. Consequently, Pakistan’s response includes regulatory measures to ensure that the agencies facilitating travel arrangements comply with established laws and ethical standards.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s initiative to curb the entry of beggars utilizing Umrah visas has prompted a swift response from the Pakistani government, culminating in the proposed Umrah Act and an undertaking to combat the networks of individuals exploiting pilgrimage opportunities. As Pakistan seeks to maintain its relationship with Saudi Arabia and uphold its national image, the introduction of stricter regulatory measures will be crucial in addressing these concerns. The commitment expressed by Pakistani authorities indicates a proactive approach towards resolving the issue at hand.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
