Pakistan Minister Mohsin Naqvi Bans ‘Professional Beggars’ from Flying Abroad

Overview of the Ban on Professional Beggars

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has announced a significant restriction targeting professional beggars and those traveling with incomplete documentation. This decision comes in response to a surge in deportations, particularly from Saudi Arabia, where around 24,000 Pakistani nationals were sent back for begging and suspected illegal migration. The ban reflects Pakistan’s determination to address growing international scrutiny surrounding its travelers.

Key Reasons Behind the Ban

– Increase in Deportations: Thousands of Pakistani nationals have faced deportation, predominantly from Gulf countries, leading to heightened awareness and concern among authorities.

– Scrutiny at Airports: Reports indicate that numerous travelers have been offloaded from flights at airports due to irregular documentation. This situation has prompted a more stringent government response.

– Shift in Policy: Minister Naqvi stated, “Professional beggars and people traveling with incomplete documents will not be allowed to go abroad,” as he emphasizes the need for responsible travel practices.

Recent Deportation Statistics

The urgency of this action is underscored by recent statistics shared by government officials:

– 66,000 Passengers Offloaded: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported that over 66,000 passengers were denied boarding due to concerns over irregular travel.

– 24,000 Deported from Saudi Arabia: Leading the deportation efforts, Saudi Arabia has sent back a significant number of individuals for engaging in begging activities.

– Additional Deportations: The UAE has also deported around 6,000 Pakistanis for similar reasons, while Azerbaijan sent back approximately 2,500.

Emerging Trends in Irregular Migration

Pakistan’s measures come amid alarming trends of irregular travel:

– Misuse of Umrah Visas: Authorities have detected instances where individuals applied for Umrah visas to access Europe, resulting in denied entries.

– Southeast Asia Concerns: Notably, 24,000 Pakistanis traveled to Cambodia this year, with 12,000 not returning. Similar issues have been noticed with tourists visiting Myanmar, where around 2,500 did not come back.

Conclusion

The ban on professional beggars highlights Pakistan’s commitment to addressing illegal migration and maintaining its citizens’ reputation abroad. As international scrutiny intensifies, it’s imperative for travelers to ensure they meet all necessary documentation requirements, ensuring safe and legitimate travel. The country’s stringent policies aim to prevent further embarrassment and protect its nationals from facing deportation.