Why have Gulf nations ceased issuing visas to Pakistanis?
Synopsis
In a startling revelation, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed that Gulf countries have stopped issuing visas to Pakistanis due to organized mafia groups exploiting beggars. This situation not only highlights the concerning issue of begging in Pakistan but also raises questions about the country's international standing.
Key Takeaways
Gulf nations have stopped issuing visas due to organized begging syndicates.
The issue highlights systemic failures within Pakistan's governance.
Over 7,800 Pakistanis have been deported for various offenses related to begging.
Airport staff are implicated in facilitating these activities.
Child beggars can earn substantial amounts, leading to concerns about exploitation.
Islamabad, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Pakistani Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has acknowledged that Gulf nations have halted visa issuance to Pakistani citizens due to the actions of organized mafia groups that are trafficking beggars to these regions.
In a video shared on social media, Asif pointed out the troubling reality that beggars in Pakistan are part of well-organized networks earning substantial amounts of money, even enough to buy homes. This alarming situation has led Gulf nations to take a firm stand against granting visas to Pakistanis, as reported by Khaleej Times.
The video features a conversation between a Pakistani man and a child beggar, illustrating how entire families collaborate to generate income through begging. Asif remarked that “begging has evolved into a profession” that operates in a highly organized manner.
“There are formal recruiters who enlist children, women, and individuals pretending to be disabled, creating a multi-billion-dollar industry. This same mafia is responsible for sending thousands of beggars to Gulf countries,” he elaborated, noting that Gulf nations are now refusing to issue visas to Pakistani nationals.
Data from Pakistan's Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development indicates that over 7,800 Pakistanis were deported between 2019 and 2025 for various offenses, including begging. In 2025, Pakistan began revoking the passports of deportees.
Asif also pointed out that personnel at Pakistani airports are complicit in these trafficking operations, emphasizing that such a “business” could not thrive without the backing of local authorities and the police, as reported by Khaleej Times.
In the video, when questioned about his daily earnings, the child shared that he and his three siblings could make approximately 12,000 PKR in a single day, revealing that his sibling pretends to be disabled, and his family has managed to buy a house in Faisalabad.
In December 2024, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several other Gulf nations imposed an indefinite restriction on granting visas to individuals from at least 30 different Pakistani cities following a troubling increase in incidents involving Pakistani nationals engaged in begging or linked to smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities abroad.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the severity of this situation. The organized begging issue not only tarnishes the image of our nation but also highlights systemic failures that allow such practices to thrive. It is crucial for the government to take robust actions to address this problem while safeguarding the rights and dignity of the vulnerable populations involved.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Gulf nations stopping visa issuance to Pakistanis?
Gulf nations halted visa issuance to Pakistanis due to the actions of organized mafia groups exploiting beggars, prompting concerns over illegal activities associated with Pakistani nationals.
How many Pakistanis have been deported for begging?
According to Pakistan's Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, over 7,800 Pakistanis were deported from 2019 to 2025 for various offenses, including begging.
What measures has Pakistan taken against deportees?
In 2025, Pakistan initiated the cancellation of passports for deportees involved in illegal activities, including begging.
What is the role of airport staff in this issue?
Pakistani airport staff have been implicated in facilitating the trafficking of beggars, indicating a broader complicity in these organized networks.
How much do child beggars earn according to the reports?
Reports suggest that child beggars can earn approximately PKR 12,000 in a day, revealing the financial incentive for families involved in this practice.
