Reports indicated that among a large number of Pakistanis traveling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage (Umrah) and work, instances of begging were sometimes recorded. Previously, in June 2026, cases of Pakistani citizens being detained in Riyadh on charges of begging were documented.
In light of such activities, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a special warning to its citizens, targeting both pilgrims and workers arriving in Saudi Arabia.
The embassy clearly stated that begging in Saudi Arabia is an illegal act, and violating it can lead to severe measures from Saudi authorities.
According to the embassy's information, illegal begging can result in arrest, deportation from the country, and a permanent ban on re-entry into Saudi Arabia in the future. The Saudi Ministry of Interior has also imposed a complete ban on begging in all forms and announced the deportation of foreign nationals after serving their sentence.
The Pakistani embassy specifically drew attention to the necessity of avoiding certain types of activities in holy sites such as Mecca and Medina. These prohibited activities include providing services to wheelchair users, hair cutting or barber services, distributing donations or financial aid among people, conducting monetary transactions, and offering loans.
The embassy called on its citizens to fully comply with Saudi Arabian legislation. Furthermore, it was emphasized that it is crucial for a responsible Pakistani citizen to stay away from illegal activities, as this helps maintain a positive image of Pakistan.
