Pakistanis, Involved in Begging and Crime, Disliked by Majority of Islamic Countries in Middle East

Several Gulf countries have expressed growing concerns about the behavior and activities of Pakistani expatriates, according to a recent Pakistani Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis meeting. The Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Arshad, reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have raised issues regarding Pakistani nationals working and residing in their countries.

This development follows earlier revelations that Pakistani beggars are increasingly traveling abroad under the guise of pilgrimage. In September 2023, it was reported that many of these individuals use Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia and then engage in begging. According to the ministry, 90 percent of those arrested for begging in Saudi Arabia were Pakistani. 

A look at the numbers 

Dr. Arshad highlighted that between 0.6 to 0.8 million Pakistanis travel abroad annually, with 200,000 to 300,000 returning each year. Notably, 96% of these travelers go to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

A significant concern is the reported involvement of Pakistanis in crime. In the UAE, where they are said to be behind 50 percent of criminal activities. According to a report from Pakistan's Geo News, Pakistanis are notorious for their behavior in UAE. They often record perverted videos of women in UAE whilst walking near them. 

Additionally, the UAE has noted that Pakistan’s quota of expatriates has surpassed 1.8 million, exceeding the initially agreed 1.6 million. 

Perception of Bangladeshis is better than that of Pakistanis?

Problems extend beyond the UAE. Pakistanis are reported to face difficulties in Malaysia and Iraq, where they sometimes face imprisonment for overstaying their visas or getting involved in anti-social activities. Senator Nasir Abbas mentioned that Bangladeshi workers are securing more jobs than Pakistanis, and Pakistanis in Iraq are often treated poorly, being used as cheap labor and kept under harsh conditions.

Stop sending beggars and sick people, says Riyadh to Pakistan 

In Saudi Arabia, where about 2 million Pakistanis reside and 0.4 million travel annually, authorities have requested that Pakistan avoid sending "beggars and sick people." The GCC countries are focusing more on technology and development, and Pakistanis are struggling due to lack of skills and poor work ethics, according to Pakistan's overseas ministry officials, who were cited in the Geo News report.

The overseas ministry officials noted that Pakistanis’ work attitudes and involvement in crime have led to a growing suspicion from other nations.