Over 5,000 beggars deported from foreign countries in 2024–25

More than 5,000 Pakistani beggars were deported from various countries during the 2024–25 period, according to a report submitted by the Interior Ministry to the National Assembly.

The report revealed that the deportations were primarily from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Malaysia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. A total of 4,850 beggars were expelled in 2024 alone, with Saudi Arabia accounting for the highest number.

In 2024:

• Saudi Arabia deported the most beggars

• Iraq followed with 242 deportations

• Malaysia deported 55, while the UAE sent back 49

In the first five months of 2025, 552 beggars were deported:

• 535 from Saudi Arabia

• 9 from the UAE

• 5 from Iraq

The report highlights growing concern over individuals traveling abroad under various pretenses, including pilgrimage, only to engage in begging.

In a recent incident, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested three women upon their return from Saudi Arabia, where they had been begging under the guise of performing Umrah. The women, from Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Rahim Yar Khan, were arrested at Sialkot International Airport on Sunday.

The arrests follow a similar FIA operation in October, where eight people were detained at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport for attempting to travel abroad to beg.

Authorities continue to monitor and crack down on this growing issue, which poses a challenge to Pakistan’s global image and immigration regulations.