FIA starts Blacklisting Passports of Professional Beggars

According to sources, the FIA has started blacklisting the passports of professional beggars in a recent crackdown. During an official statement, DG FIA stated that a nationwide notification has been issued to all the airports of Pakistan to start in-depth screenings of the passengers travelling abroad.

FIA’s crackdown results

In another statement the Director General of FIA, Mr. Mohsin Butt stated that till now they have caught almost 74 potential culprits and the individuals have been handed over to the Anti-human trafficking unit for further investigations. He also suggested that the in-depth screening of pilgrims going for Umrah is also taking place. They will only be allowed to travel if their previous travel history is good.

Mr. Mohsin also added that strict precautionary measures are also being taken to inspect the luggage of passengers with collaboration with ASF and several other law enforcing agencies. He further added that the passports of beggars if caught during the screening process will be blacklisted as they hope to gain aid from foreign governments and ruin the image of our country.

At the start of October, FIA caught numerous individuals travelling on Umrah visas for miscellaneous purposes. Mr. Mohsih said that almost 24 citizens were caught trying to sneak-in UAE through Umrah visas. They consisted of both men and women.

Collaboration of Travel Agents with Culprits

 According to sources, several travel agents are also being monitored as the culprits caught had a deal with the travel agents. The deal stated that the beggars going to UAE would give 50% of their earnings to the travel agents.

The crackdown was mainly initiated when reports came in that amongst the beggars caught in UAE, 90% of them were Pakistani citizens or had their origin in Pakistan. The United Arab Emirates has also stopped offering 3-month visit visas. Read more here “UAE Stops Offering 3-Month Visit Visas“.