Pakistan's reputation on the world stage has suffered a significant embarrassment following a massive deportation drive by Saudi Arabia. The Gulf kingdom sent back close to 56,000 Pakistani nationals who were involved in organised begging, according to official data released recently.
Failed Measures and Organised Rings
This action comes as a severe setback for Pakistani authorities, who had attempted to curb this trend. Despite placing thousands of individuals on no-fly lists, the government failed to prevent these well-coordinated begging networks from travelling abroad. The scale of the problem is underscored by admissions from Pakistani officials themselves, who state that nearly 90% of beggars detained in several West Asian nations are from Pakistan.
Gulf Nations Respond with Stricter Controls
The fallout from this episode is now affecting broader diplomatic and economic relations. Nations including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have initiated stricter visa controls for Pakistani citizens. These measures are a direct response to the rising concerns linked to crime and illicit begging operations originating from Pakistan.
The host countries have clearly lost patience with the situation. Their tightened scrutiny is not limited to potential beggars but casts a wider net, increasing hurdles for all Pakistani nationals seeking entry.
Collateral Damage for Genuine Travellers
The most immediate consequence of this crackdown is being felt by legitimate Pakistani expatriates and travellers. Genuine workers, students, and pilgrims now face heightened background checks and more rigorous visa approval processes worldwide. This added layer of scrutiny threatens to impact remittance flows and opportunities for lawful employment abroad, which are crucial for Pakistan's economy.
The incident, which came to light through data from December 2025, highlights a deep-rooted systemic issue. It points to failures in both monitoring criminal networks at home and in managing labour export protocols. As Gulf nations, key allies and economic partners, harden their stance, Pakistan faces an urgent need to address this image crisis and restore confidence among the international community.
