ISLAMABAD, June 3, 2025: Saudi Arabia has significantly curtailed the number of visas issued to Pakistani nationals. This development has sparked serious concern among Pakistanis, particularly those planning to undertake religious pilgrimages such as Hajj and Umrah, as well as business professionals who rely on travel to Saudi Arabia for commercial and trade-related purposes.
READ MORE: Over 58,000 Pakistanis Deported Since 2023, Most Overseas Pakistanis Expelled For Beggary
Saudi Arabia has cited increasing concerns over illegal activities – particularly begging – by some visitors from Pakistan. This was revealed during session of Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis today.
Government officials briefed the Senate committee that Saudi authorities have not only tightened the visa approval process but have also introduced stricter documentation requirements for Pakistanis.
Multiple Pakistanis have also been deported from Saudi Arabia, as well as other Gulf countries for the same reason. This increasing incident of begging has not only caused serious diplomatic damage to Pakistan but have also made the situation harder for legitimate visitors.
Committee members expressed strong reservations and severe criticism of the Pakistani authorities responsible for overseeing the selection and verification of individuals traveling abroad. They have also demanded action from the authorities, starting with the immediate termination of negligent officers from their posts.
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Representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also shared alarming statistics with the standing committee, saying that over 58,000 Pakistanis have been expelled from different countries in the last three years. A major chunk of these deported overseas Pakistanis has been kicked out on account of beggary from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar.
