Misuse of Umrah Visas for Begging in Saudi Arabia: People from Mansehra, Abbottabad, Sindh and Mianwali Among Those Reported

ISLAMABAD: Umrah and Hajj are sacred journeys undertaken for worship. However, in recent years, cases have emerged involving some Pakistani citizens allegedly misusing Umrah visas to travel to Saudi Arabia for begging, prompting Pakistani authorities to intensify screening and enforcement measures.
According to sources, individuals reported in such cases include people from Mansehra and Abbottabad districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh province, and Mianwali district.
Action at Karachi Airport
In March 2026, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said that during Ramadan, around 900 passengers were stopped at Karachi Airport alone after authorities suspected that they might become involved in begging after travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Officials said the screening process considered several factors, including previous travel records and information regarding individuals who had previously been deported from Saudi Arabia.
Arrests of Returnees
The issue has not been limited to preventive action at airports.
In March 2026, the FIA reportedly arrested four Pakistani nationals returning from Saudi Arabia over allegations of begging there. According to the FIA, the individuals had travelled to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas.
Decline in Deportations
Official figures released in July 2026 showed a significant decline in the number of Pakistanis deported from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries over alleged involvement in begging.
The reported figures were:
2024: Approximately 4,800
2025: Approximately 1,100
2026: 802 up to July
Officials attributed the decline to stricter enforcement and screening measures.
Action at Multan Airport
In September 2026, FIA officials at Multan Airport also stopped a man and a woman from travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Authorities alleged that the two intended to travel on Umrah visas and engage in begging in Saudi Arabia.
Individuals from Several Districts Reported
According to sources, people from Mansehra and Abbottabad have also been among those stopped at different Pakistani airports or subjected to action after returning from Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, individuals from Sindh, particularly residents of Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, have reportedly been involved in some of the cases.
People from Mianwali district have also reportedly been among those stopped at airports or facing legal action after returning from abroad.
Authorities have expressed concern that some individuals may be misusing Umrah visas for purposes other than worship, including begging, potentially creating difficulties for other Pakistani pilgrims and affecting Pakistan's image abroad.
Important Clarification
Such incidents are a matter of concern, but the actions of a limited number of individuals should not be attributed to Pakistani Umrah or Hajj pilgrims as a whole.
Similarly, claims that Pakistanis will be denied or that Umrah visas will be completely suspended because of such incidents should not be presented as fact unless officially announced by the relevant authorities.
Responsibility of Pilgrims
Every person travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj is responsible for complying fully with Saudi laws and visa conditions. Pilgrims should avoid any activity that could create difficulties for other Pakistani visitors or damage the country's reputation.
Question for Readers
Do you think stricter action should be taken against individuals who misuse Umrah visas for begging?
Important Note
📌 Disclaimer: The image used with this post should not be considered evidence that any specific person shown in it is involved in begging. The report concerns cases and enforcement actions reportedly involving certain Pakistani nationals travelling to or returning from Saudi Arabia.