Pakistan’s Citizens Facing Deportations for Begging Abroad

A disturbing pattern is emerging across global headlines: Pakistani nationals are being deported in increasing numbers from countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the UAE, and Turkey—not for crimes, but for begging.

Once known for sending labor and skilled workers abroad, Pakistan now finds itself at the center of a diplomatic and socioeconomic crisis that is staining its global image and exposing deep cracks in its domestic fabric.

The Global Crackdown: A Diplomatic Red Flag

In February 2024, Malaysia deported over 150 Pakistani nationals accused of street begging and overstaying their visas. Local authorities confirmed that many of those deported had entered under visit visas and were part of informal begging rackets operating in urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Earlier, in 2023, Saudi Arabia deported more than 300 Pakistani nationals, also on charges of begging and violating residency laws. Videos circulated online of Pakistani women and children being detained in Makkah and Madinah—raising public outrage and diplomatic discomfort.

Other countries taking similar actions include:

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Regular crackdowns on panhandlers, with dozens of arrests each month during Ramadan.
Turkey: Deportation of multiple South Asian nationals—including Pakistanis—caught begging in Istanbul and Ankara.
Qatar: Surveillance and arrests of foreign nationals using organized begging tactics.
Greece & Italy: Reports of asylum-seekers and migrants, including Pakistanis, resorting to street begging due to lack of integration and work.

These are just some documented examples. The real numbers are likely much higher.

Source: Immigration departments of Malaysia, KSA, and Gulf News (2023–2024)

Why Is This Happening?

This crisis cannot be divorced from Pakistan’s internal socio-economic failures:

1. Economic Breakdown at Home

With record inflation, rising unemployment, and the rupee in freefall, millions are desperate to escape poverty. Pakistan’s economy grew just 1.5% in 2023, while over 39% of the population now lives below the poverty line (World Bank).

2. Visa Abuse and Trafficking Rings

Many of those arrested abroad were victims of organized visa rackets or human trafficking networks that promise jobs abroad but push victims into street-level exploitation.

3. Collapse of Skilled Labor Migration

Once a reliable source of remittances, Pakistan’s skilled labor export has declined, replaced in some cases by undocumented migration and exploitation. In 2023, the number of Pakistani workers going to the Gulf under formal labor contracts dropped by 18% (Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment).

Are Women and Children Being Exploited?

Yes—and tragically so. Many of those deported include women with infants, often part of organized begging operations. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and Turkey have documented cases where women were flown in solely to collect money from pilgrims during religious seasons.

These cases reflect a dual crisis: deep-rooted poverty, and the gendered exploitation of Pakistani women abroad under the guise of economic opportunity.

The Cost to Pakistan’s Reputation

These deportations are more than isolated incidents—they are a serious blow to Pakistan’s already strained diplomatic relations.

Pakistan holds the fourth-worst passport in the world (Henley Passport Index 2024), and these cases further degrade trust in its citizens abroad.

Host nations are increasingly reluctant to issue visas—particularly tourist, business, or religious visit visas—leading to stricter immigration scrutiny, especially during events like Hajj, Ramadan, and Eid.

“This isn’t just a visa issue—it’s a reputational issue,” said a Gulf-based diplomat. “Repeated cases of organized begging make host nations question Pakistan’s ability to manage its outmigration.”

What It Means for the Economy

Declining Remittances

Pakistan’s remittances—once a lifeline—have begun to fall. From $31 billion in 2022, they dropped to $27 billion in 2023 (State Bank of Pakistan). Host countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are replacing South Asian workers with locals or migrants from more regulated nations.

Strained Labor Agreements

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now re-evaluating labor deals with Pakistan. If restrictions increase, Pakistan stands to lose millions in future foreign exchange.

Increased Visa Rejections

Rising deportations mean fewer legitimate workers and students will be granted entry abroad. In 2023, Pakistani visa rejection rates in the Schengen Zone and UK surpassed 60%.

What Needs to Change?

Crack Down on Visa Fraud and Trafficking Networks
Pakistan must take strong legal action against agents and officials enabling illegal migration and abuse.
Invest in Domestic Employment and Skills Training
Government initiatives should focus on vocational training, women’s employment, and poverty reduction, especially in rural areas.
Protect Women Migrants
Pakistan must collaborate with host countries to ensure safe migration pathways for women, with strict monitoring and support services.
Rebuild Diplomatic Trust
The Foreign Office should proactively engage with host governments to restore confidence in Pakistan’s migrant community.

Final Thoughts: A Crisis of Image and Survival

This isn’t just about deportations—it’s about dignity, desperation, and how the world sees Pakistan. The country must choose: confront this humanitarian and diplomatic crisis now—or watch its international credibility crumble, one flight of deportees at a time.