Our prisons are full of your prisoners: Saudi authorities caution Pakistan over Haj Quota candidates

In a recent meeting between officials from the overseas ministries of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, concerns were raised over the selection of candidates for the Haj quota. Saudi Arabia reportedly cautioned Pakistan to exercise greater care in choosing its Haj quota candidates due to issues related to individuals on Umrah visas.

According to sources, Saudi authorities expressed their displeasure with the high number of beggars arrested in the country, with 90 percent of them being from Pakistan and holding Umrah visas. Pakistani officials faced criticism for allegedly sending repeat offenders.

The Saudi officials also claimed that a significant number of pickpockets operating near the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca were of Pakistani origin. They pointed out that these individuals opt for Umrah visas instead of Arab visas, mainly because they often struggle to secure invitations or employment letters, as they lack the trust of Arab employers for skilled labor positions. As a result, they tend to rely more on Indian and Bangladeshi workers for such roles.

During the meeting, Saudi Arabia is said to have expressed its frustration over the substantial presence of Pakistani prisoners in its jails.