Government to block passports of over 2,000 ‘beggars’

The federal government has decided to block the passports of more than 2,000 Pakistani beggars operating in foreign countries.

The Director General (DG) of Immigration and Passports has requested details from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding these beggars. The Ministry will obtain lists of these beggars from its missions worldwide.

Passports of Pakistanis engaged in begging in foreign countries will be blocked for seven years.

The government has also decided to block the passports of agents who facilitate the movement of beggars abroad.

Most beggars travel to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq for Umrah and pilgrimage purposes.

Data on individuals travelling abroad for begging purposes has been compiled.

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are developing a coordinated policy.