Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that professional beggars and people with incomplete travel documents will not be allowed to travel abroad. The decision comes amid growing concerns
over Pakistanis being deported, detained or facing embarrassment overseas due to illegal begging, visa violations and document fraud.
According to officials, several countries, especially in the Gulf region, have raised objections after Pakistani nationals were found engaging in organised begging rings. This has damaged Pakistan’s international image and led to tighter scrutiny of Pakistani travellers.
Last week, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said more than 66,000 travellers were stopped from flying out of the country this year on suspicion of irregular travel, while tens of thousands of Pakistanis were deported from Gulf nations and other countries as part of a wider crackdown on illegal migration, Arab News reported.
Radio Pakistan said Naqvi had warned those who “bring a bad name to Pakistan” will face strict action. “The interior minister said the dignity of Pakistan and facilitation of passengers are his top priorities.”
The FIA said earlier this week that more than 66,000 travellers were stopped from flying out of the country this year on suspicion of irregular travel, while tens of thousands of Pakistanis were deported from Gulf nations and other countries as part of a wider crackdown on illegal migration.
The Economic Times has reported that Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan have deported thousands of Pakistan nationals this year on charges of begging.
Saudi and UAE police have conducted special anti-begging drives, especially during Ramadan and Hajj/Umrah seasons, when begging spikes. Individuals caught begging are detained, fined, and deported, often with entry bans. Authorities have identified that many beggars operate as part of organised networks, rather than individually.
Pakistani nationals applying for visit, Umrah, or short-term visas have faced stricter scrutiny. Immigration officials flag travellers with no clear travel purpose, insufficient funds, suspicious travel histories or repeated short visits. Many are offloaded at departure airports or denied entry on arrival.
Thousands of Pakistanis have been deported from Saudi Arabia and the UAE for begging-related offences. Repeat offenders are often blacklisted, preventing future entry. Gulf authorities have also shared deportation data with Pakistan, prompting domestic crackdowns.
Gulf governments have formally raised the issue with Islamabad, calling it a reputational and security concern. This pressure has led Pakistan’s FIA to increase airport offloading, investigate travel agents and human smugglers and cancel passports of habitual offenders in some cases.
Officials in the Gulf have indicated that a disproportionate number of foreign beggars detained in recent years were Pakistani nationals, prompting country-specific attention rather than a generalised crackdown.
