During a recent market raid in Dubai, police recovered 25,000 dirhams (approx. Rs6 lakh) hidden under a beggar’s mat.
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New Delhi: Ahead of Ramadan, police in Dubai have launched a massive crackdown against beggars. Foreign visitors are being particularly closely monitored. During this campaign, a beggar was caught who turned out to be the owner of property worth millions and three luxury cars.
According to Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Incidents Department, some people exploit the generosity of the public to make money. During a raid in a market, 25,000 dirhams (approximately Rs600,000) were recovered from under a beggar's mat.
Furthermore, Rs500,000 was recovered from an Asian man who had come on a tourist visa. He begged near mosques and kept his two-year-old child with him to gain sympathy.
Beggars' Earnings
Sharjah police conducted a test to estimate the earnings of beggars. In one hour, 367 dirhams (approximately Rs9,000) were collected. According to officials, 90% of those arrested are tourists seeking easy money during Ramadan.
It is reported that organized gangs in Pakistan send people to Dubai by providing them with flight tickets and visas. Most of these people are from Sindh province. In 2025, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia deported approximately 24,000 Pakistanis.
Under Dubai law, those caught begging face a fine of 5,000 dirhams and up to three months in prison. Those sending beggars from abroad face a minimum of six months in prison and a fine of more than 100,000 dirhams.
Strict Visa Regulations
Three months ago, the United Arab Emirates stopped issuing visas to Pakistanis. However, blue and diplomatic passport holders are still receiving visas. According to a report in the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, 70-80% of first-time and single-entry visa applications are being rejected.
Nadeem, a 28-year-old from Lahore, had his visa rejected twice. According to travel agents, people under the age of 40 are being subjected to increased scrutiny. However, Pakistani officials say the UAE has not officially imposed any ban.
Visas are immediately rejected if documents are found to be inaccurate or if the AI-based system raises suspicions. Scrutiny has become more stringent recently after Pakistani citizens have been implicated in crimes and begging.
Strictness in these countries too
India has suspended all visa services for Pakistani citizens in 2025. Old visas have been cancelled, and no new tourist, business, or medical visas are being issued. Israel does not allow entry with standard Pakistani passports. Travel is possible only with special government permission. This restriction is due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the two countries and security concerns.
Furthermore, obtaining visas for Pakistani citizens in Libya and Sudan is extremely difficult. Most applications are rejected due to security and political circumstances.
