He pointed out that illegal immigration and begging networks were seriously damaging Pakistan’s international image.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. PHOTO: APPLICATION/File
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday blamed beggar mafia groups for visa restrictions imposed on Pakistanis by Gulf countries.
Last year, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) disembarked 66,154 passengers to prevent organized gangs of beggars and illegal immigrants from traveling abroad.
The FIA Director General told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development that 51,000 such people have been arrested due to the questionable veracity of their travel documents divided into three main categories: work visas, tourist visas and Umrah visas.
He pointed out that illegal immigration and begging networks were seriously damaging Pakistan’s international image. He reported that 56,000 beggars have been expelled from Saudi Arabia while the United Arab Emirates has also imposed visa restrictions in the face of the phenomenon.
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Personnel from different government departments deployed at the airports were equal partners in the illicit trade, facilitating the movement of beggars abroad and profiting from the operation, the defense minister claimed.
