A screengrab of a video of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a meeting with Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood.
Courtesy: Govt of Pakistan
Pakistan has added 4,300 individuals to its Exit Control List (ECL), barring them from leaving the country in a bid to curb visa abuse by beggars traveling abroad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced Monday.
The move follows concerns raised by Saudi Arabia, which highlighted the impact of this issue on genuine visa-seekers, particularly religious pilgrims.
Riyadh had raised the matter during several bilateral discussions, emphasizing the strain caused by individuals entering the kingdom under false pretenses. Earlier this year, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Affairs disclosed that 90% of beggars arrested abroad were from Pakistan.
The rising trend of visa exploitation has sparked fears that countries may tighten visa requirements for Pakistanis, potentially hindering opportunities for work and religious travel.
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
During a meeting with Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood on Wednesday, Naqvi discussed mutual concerns and proposed making Islamabad and Riyadh twin cities to enhance bilateral ties.
Naqvi stressed that a zero-tolerance policy is in place for those involved in sending beggars abroad, describing the practice as damaging Pakistan’s global reputation.
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded 16 alleged beggars in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-bound flight at Multan airport in September.FIA
Both sides agreed to:
- Expedite the legal process for repatriating 419 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Arabia.
- Enhance cooperation in joint police and paramilitary training programs.
- Implement measures to combat the mafia sending beggars to Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia is our brotherly Islamic nation. We will extend all possible cooperation to strengthen our bilateral relations,” Naqvi said.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s visa-free policy for Saudi citizens, inviting them to visit Pakistan at any time without restrictions.
Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, with over 2.5 million Pakistanis living and working in the kingdom.
What is ECL?
The Exit Control List (ECL) is a mechanism used by the Pakistani government to prevent individuals from leaving the country.
It typically includes people under investigation, those involved in ongoing legal cases, or individuals deemed a flight risk.
The ECL is managed by the Ministry of Interior and is often updated based on court orders, intelligence reports, or recommendations from government agencies.
Comments
See what people are discussing