Multan, Pakistan – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has successfully intervened to stop a group of individuals allegedly being trafficked to Saudi Arabia for forced begging under the pretense of religious pilgrimage. This incident has exposed a concerning trend of vulnerable Pakistanis being exploited by organized syndicates.
On October 5th, 2024, ten individuals were prevented from boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia at Multan International Airport. Despite having valid Umrah visas, these passengers raised red flags during immigration checks due to a lack of essential travel documents. They had no confirmed hotel bookings, no return tickets, and insufficient funds for their stay in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, they displayed a worrying lack of knowledge about the Umrah pilgrimage itself.
The FIA’s investigation revealed that these individuals were likely victims of a sophisticated human trafficking operation. They were allegedly recruited by a travel agent named Bilal, who has a prior history of visa fraud. Bilal is accused of arranging their travel documents and exploiting their desire to perform Umrah, potentially forcing them into begging upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
This case highlights a growing concern for Pakistani authorities. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development has reported a significant increase in the number of Pakistani citizens deported from various countries for begging. In response, the FIA has stepped up its efforts to combat these criminal syndicates.
“We are committed to protecting vulnerable individuals from being exploited,” said a spokesperson for the FIA. “These syndicates prey on people’s religious aspirations and force them into a life of hardship abroad. We will continue to crack down on these illegal activities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The FIA is urging all travelers to be vigilant and to thoroughly research travel agents before making any bookings. They also advise potential pilgrims to familiarize themselves with the Umrah process and requirements to avoid falling victim to these scams.
