look news india
Pakistan has long been notorious for exporting terrorism, dirty streets and beggars. Recently, many countries in the Middle East had warned Islamabad that if the export of beggars was not stopped, strict action would be taken. Keeping this in mind, Pakistan has put about 4,300 beggars in the Exit Control List (ECL), so that they cannot leave the country and reach Saudi Arabia.
Crowds of Pakistani beggars are common on the streets of Mecca, Medina and Jeddah.
The announcement follows concerns raised by Saudi Arabia in September, in which it warned Pakistan against misusing Hajj and Umrah visas to prevent people from begging in Mecca and Medina.
Pakistan informed Saudi about this action
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Wednesday briefed Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdul Aziz Al Dawood about the steps taken by Pakistan against the ‘mafia’ that sends beggars to the kingdom. According to the report, Pakistan has adopted a policy of zero tolerance against beggars going to Saudi Arabia.
Many people use Hajj and Umrah visas
The problem of Pakistani beggars in Saudi Arabia is real. Crowds of Pakistani beggars are common on the streets of Mecca, Medina and Jeddah, making it a serious problem. Due to inflation and deteriorating economic situation in Pakistan, Pakistani citizens go to West Asian countries, especially Saudi Arabia, with the intention of begging. Many people use Hajj and Umrah visas and later engage in begging.
Begging is a crime in Saudi Arabia
Begging in any form is a crime under Saudi Arabian law. Begging is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 6 months and a fine of up to 50,000 riyals if found guilty of this offence. A large number of Pakistani beggars are imprisoned in the jails of Saudi Arabia. About 10 million Pakistani citizens live abroad, a large number of whom are involved in the profession of begging.