Saudi Arabia Urges Pakistan to Curb Beggars Entering Under Umrah Visas
Saudi Arabia has warned Pakistan about the influx of beggars traveling on Umrah visas, which may negatively affect future pilgrimages. In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to enact an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies and combat this issue. Pakistani officials are working to dismantle the networks facilitating this behavior to preserve the image of their pilgrims.
In a significant diplomatic event, Saudi Arabia has expressed its concerns regarding the influx of beggars from Pakistan entering the Kingdom under the Umrah visa program. Reports from the Express Tribune indicate that Saudi authorities have alerted Pakistan about the potential negative repercussions this issue could have on pilgrims traveling for Umrah and Hajj. Specifically, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has issued a formal warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging the Pakistani government to implement measures to curb this trend of beggars arriving under the guise of religious pilgrimage. In light of these developments, the Pakistani Ministry of Religious Affairs has proposed the introduction of an “Umrah Act,” which seeks to regulate travel agencies involved in facilitating Umrah trips. This initiative aims to bring these agencies under a legal framework with government oversight. In a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, the Minister reassured his counterpart that stringent protocols would be enforced to combat the networks orchestrating the transit of beggars to Saudi Arabia. Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, Zeeshan Khanzada, previously stated that many beggars exploit the opportunity of traveling on Umrah visas, further complicating the issue. To counter this situation, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with dismantling the operational networks that facilitate this phenomenon, as Minister Naqvi noted that such activities are detrimental to Pakistan’s international image.
This issue emerged from concerns raised by Saudi Arabia regarding the misuse of Umrah visas by individuals posing as pilgrims while engaging in begging activities within the Kingdom. The situation has reached a critical point, prompting Saudi authorities to take action to safeguard the integrity of religious visits. Umrah, a lesser pilgrimage than Hajj, attracts many Pakistanis annually, and any negative publicity could adversely affect future travel arrangements. Both governments recognize the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere for religious tourism, leading to the proposed legislative measures from Pakistan.
This recent exchange highlights the importance of regulatory measures to address social issues that can impact diplomatic relations and religious tourism. The both nations are evidently motivated to ensure that the integrity of the pilgrimage process is respected. Pakistan’s initiative to implement the “Umrah Act” and enhance regulatory oversight reflects its commitment to addressing Saudi concerns and protecting its citizens’ reputations abroad.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
