Pakistan has warned its citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah against begging, collecting money without authorisation and violating the conditions of their visas. Those found engaging in such activities could face arrest, detention and deportation from the kingdom, according to the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia.
The warning was issued on Sunday, 16 August, to Pakistani pilgrims and workers travelling to Saudi Arabia. The embassy also released an artificial intelligence-generated video on social media to reinforce the message. The video depicts an individual being arrested and taken to prison after violating local laws.
The embassy said Saudi authorities maintain a strict approach towards begging and unauthorised fundraising in and around the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Pakistani nationals have therefore been urged to avoid providing or receiving any unauthorised local services and to use lawful channels whenever financial assistance or fundraising is genuinely required.
The warning also highlights the need to comply fully with Saudi visa regulations. Travellers have been instructed not to remain in the country after their visas expire and not to undertake activities outside those permitted under the type of visa they hold.
The issue is not new. Pakistan has previously taken measures to discourage its citizens from begging in Saudi Arabia, including requiring some Hajj pilgrims to provide undertakings that they would not engage in the practice. Despite such measures, reports of Pakistani nationals begging in Saudi Arabia have continued to surface.
Saudi authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about the involvement of Pakistani nationals in begging across parts of the Middle East. Saudi officials have also reportedly cautioned the Pakistani government about the issue on several occasions, underlining the sensitivity of the matter during the annual Hajj and throughout the year’s Umrah season.
Concerns over organised networks
Investigations by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have also reportedly uncovered networks allegedly involved in sending people abroad for begging. According to the allegations, such groups arrange visas and air tickets for financially vulnerable individuals travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, after which they are encouraged or compelled to beg and hand over part of their earnings to the organisers.
Pakistan has taken action against suspected members of such networks, including placing several thousand individuals on travel-control or stop-list measures, according to the report.
The authorities’ concern extends beyond the conduct of individual pilgrims. Organised begging can expose vulnerable travellers to exploitation while also creating legal difficulties for people who travel to Saudi Arabia legitimately for religious purposes.
Saudi Arabia has strict laws governing public conduct, immigration status and fundraising. For foreign visitors, compliance with local regulations is particularly important because violations can result in legal proceedings and immigration penalties.
The Pakistani embassy’s latest warning therefore seeks to prevent its citizens from becoming involved in activities that could lead to arrest or deportation. It also serves as a reminder that Hajj and Umrah visas are intended for specific purposes and do not provide permission to engage in unauthorised work, fundraising or other activities.
For Pakistani pilgrims, the message is straightforward: respect Saudi law, remain within the terms of the visa and use only lawful channels for any financial assistance or fundraising. The embassy hopes that stronger awareness will help prevent individual violations from causing difficulties for other Pakistani pilgrims who travel to the kingdom to perform their religious obligations.
