Pakistan Faces Scrutiny as Tens of Thousands Deported Over Begging, Visa Misuse

Pakistan is grappling with growing international concern after authorities revealed that tens of thousands of its citizens have been deported from abroad over allegations of begging and misuse of travel visas. The issue was highlighted during a briefing to Pakistan’s National Assembly, where officials outlined the scale of the problem and the measures being taken to curb illegal migration practices.

According to information shared by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), around 56,000 Pakistani nationals have been deported from Saudi Arabia in recent years after being found involved in begging activities. The majority of these cases were reported from major religious and urban centres, where individuals allegedly travelled under pilgrimage, tourist or work visas but later engaged in solicitation. Saudi authorities have responded with strict enforcement, leading to large-scale deportations.

In parallel, Pakistani authorities have stepped up screening at airports to prevent further misuse of visas. Officials said more than 66,000 passengers were stopped from boarding international flights after their travel intentions or documentation raised suspicion. Many of those offloaded were reportedly attempting to travel to Gulf countries, with investigators suspecting links to organised begging networks or illegal employment arrangements.

The FIA told lawmakers that the phenomenon has become a serious diplomatic and reputational challenge for Pakistan. Host countries have raised concerns about the visibility of Pakistani beggars, prompting some governments to tighten visa rules for Pakistani nationals. Such restrictions, officials warned, have affected genuine travellers, including workers, students and pilgrims, who now face increased scrutiny and delays.

Law enforcement agencies also revealed that a significant number of Pakistani nationals accused of begging are currently detained in prisons in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Authorities acknowledged that poverty, unemployment and the involvement of organised groups have contributed to the problem, making it harder to address through enforcement alone.

The government has described begging abroad as a “menace” that requires both preventive and punitive action. Measures under consideration include stricter monitoring of travel agents, enhanced background checks for visa applicants and closer cooperation with foreign governments to dismantle networks that facilitate illegal migration. Officials stressed that controlling the issue is essential to protect Pakistan’s international standing and ensure smoother travel for law-abiding citizens. As deportations continue and visa restrictions tighten, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that it can effectively tackle the problem while safeguarding the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad.