Muslim Nations Take Action Against Pakistani Beggars: Thousands Deported from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Azerbaijan

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s reputation as a country with a high number of beggars is now creating diplomatic embarrassments even in Muslim nations. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Azerbaijan have taken strict measures against Pakistani citizens involved in begging, deporting thousands this year alone.

Pakistani Beggars Face Crackdown Abroad
The economic hardships in Pakistan have forced many citizens to seek livelihood abroad, often resorting to begging. However, host nations have grown increasingly intolerant. Reports indicate that Pakistani nationals, who traveled on tourist visas, sometimes remained in these countries to beg instead of returning home, prompting decisive action by local authorities.

According to a report by the Economic Times, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Azerbaijan collectively deported thousands of Pakistanis accused of begging. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director-General Riffat Mukhtar Raza informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Rights that at least 51,000 Pakistanis were deported from various airports this year alone.

Saudi Arabia Leads the Deportation List
Saudi Arabia has expelled the highest number of Pakistani beggars this year, totaling around 24,000 individuals. The UAE followed with 6,000 deportations, while Azerbaijan expelled 2,500. These measures reflect mounting frustration in Muslim countries over Pakistanis’ illegal activities, including begging, involvement in crime, and links to extremist incidents or drug trafficking.

Diplomatic and Reputation Setback for Pakistan
This crackdown poses a significant embarrassment for Pakistan, particularly as it strives to strengthen its position within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Previously, UAE, Oman, and Qatar had already restricted visas for Pakistani citizens due to concerns over criminal and extremist activities. The latest deportations highlight the growing diplomatic and social challenges faced by Pakistan abroad.