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Gulf Nations Ban Visas for Pakistanis Over Begging Mafia, Says Minister

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Gulf countries have stopped issuing visas to Pakistani nationals due to organized begging networks. He shared a video revealing how begging mafias recruit children and fake disabled people, earning billions and exporting them abroad. Official data shows over 7,800 Pakistanis were deported between 2019 and 2025 on charges including begging. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations imposed an indefinite visa ban from specific Pakistani cities in late 2024 over rising criminal cases.

Key Points: Gulf Visa Ban for Pakistanis Over Begging Rackets

  • Gulf nations halt visas for Pakistanis
  • Organized mafia exports beggars
  • Airport staff and police complicity alleged
  • Over 7,800 Pakistanis deported for begging
2 min read

Gulf nations have stopped issuing visas to Pakistanis due to begging mafia, admits Khawaja Asif

Pakistan's defence minister admits Gulf nations halted visas due to organized begging mafia exporting people. Over 7,800 deported since 2019.

"begging has become a profession - Khawaja Asif"

Islamabad, Feb 12

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that the Gulf countries have stopped issuing visas to Pakistanis as mafia groups continue to export "beggars" to these nations.

Sharing a video on social media that revealed how beggars in Pakistan earn enough money to purchase houses through organised networks, Asif highlighted that this has prompted the Gulf nations to stop issuing visas to Pakistanis now, UAE's leading daily Khaleej Times reported.

The video showed a Pakistani man speaking with a child beggar and revealing how entire families work together to earn money through begging. Reacting to the video, Asif said "begging has become a profession" that is quite organised.

"There are formal contractors who recruit children, women, and fake disabled people and earn billions. This same mafia exports these beggars to Gulf countries in the thousands." He further mentioned that fed up by this, the Gulf nations have stopped issuing visas to Pakistani nationals.

According to Pakistan's Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development data, more than 7,800 Pakistanis were deported from 2019-2025 for various charges, including begging. Pakistan started cancelling passports of deportees in 2025.

Asif stated that Pakistani airport staff was also involved in these rackets and mentioned that this "business" is not possible in any city without the support of the administration and the police, Khaleej Times reported.

In the video, when asked by the interviewer about his earnings, the child shared details of what he and his three brothers make Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 12,000 on an average day. The boy revealed that his sibling "acts" and is not specially-abled and his family has purchased a house in Faisalabad.

In December 2024, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries imposed an indefinite ban on granting visas to people from at least 30 different cities of Pakistan, following an alarming rise in the number of cases where Pakistani nationals were caught begging or being involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other criminal offences abroad.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
It's shocking to see the scale of this organized crime. Earning 12,000 PKR a day through begging? That's more than many skilled professionals make. The Gulf nations have every right to protect their societies. Hope Pakistan takes strong action.
A
Aman W
This is why strong governance matters. When administration and police are in the pocket of the mafia, ordinary citizens suffer. India has its challenges too, but we must learn from this and ensure our systems are robust. 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
Using children for this is the most heartbreaking part. The video must have been difficult to watch. This isn't just about visas; it's about human trafficking and exploiting the vulnerable. The international community should pressure Pakistan to dismantle these networks.
V
Vikram M
Respect to Khawaja Asif for admitting this publicly. It takes courage for a Defence Minister to call out his own country's failings. Now they need to follow through with action. The Gulf is a crucial employment destination for South Asia.
K
Kriti O
While the situation is terrible, let's not generalize about all Pakistanis. Many are hardworking and honest. The ban will hurt them the most. The focus should be on the criminal gangs, not the nationality.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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