A growing wave of concern is sweeping across Southeast Asia and the Middle East as transnational begging networks, reportedly orchestrated from Pakistan, continue to expand into new territories.
Once considered a domestic problem tied to poverty and unemployment, the practice has morphed into an international enterprise, with Malaysia now witnessing a sharp rise in the presence of foreign beggars linked to organised rings.
Malaysian authorities have in recent months observed a spike in street begging, particularly in urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Johor Bahru. The individuals involved are often foreign nationals, many of whom claim Pakistani origin. While some appear to be in genuine need, officials believe a significant portion are part of larger trafficking or exploitation rings.
“Our enforcement teams have uncovered coordinated activity, where individuals are brought in on tourist or short-term work visas and directed to high-traffic areas,” said an official with Malaysia’s Immigration Department. “They aren’t acting alone. There are handlers, logistics support, and a clear pattern of recruitment.”
Residents and tourists alike have reported being approached by individuals, sometimes accompanied by young children, soliciting money in public places, including mosques, shopping malls, and transit stations. Some beggars present themselves as disabled or as religious figures seeking donations. In several documented cases, those approached later admitted to being part of a broader network, having been lured abroad with false promises of employment or education.
Begging as a Business
Experts say these developments mirror similar patterns across Gulf countries over the past decade. In cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha, organised groups — primarily originating from South Asia — have long taken advantage of periods of religious observance, particularly Ramadan, when charitable giving surges.
“These aren’t isolated incidents of desperation,” said Dr. Nida Farooq, a migration studies researcher based in Islamabad. “We’re talking about beggary being systematised. It’s structured, profitable, and increasingly transnational.”
Investigations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have revealed that many of the individuals apprehended for illegal begging arrived through trafficking routes facilitated by forged documents, fake job offers, or travel arranged by criminal intermediaries. A similar trend now appears to be unfolding in Malaysia.
Human Rights Concerns and Regional Fallout
International watchdogs have raised alarms over the human rights implications. Many of the beggars, particularly women and minors, may be victims of trafficking, forced labour, or coercion. Their documents are often seized upon arrival, and they face threats or physical abuse if they fail to meet daily “targets” set by handlers.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently urged countries in the region to tighten coordination and enhance monitoring to disrupt these cross-border operations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is facing renewed scrutiny for its inability to dismantle the domestic syndicates that lie at the heart of this growing issue.
“Pakistan’s internal failures are spilling into international arenas,” said one diplomat from a Gulf country on condition of anonymity. “It’s not just about law enforcement—it’s about the country’s image and credibility.”
Diplomatic and Visa Implications
The rise of Pakistani-linked begging rings is also starting to impact diplomatic relations. Countries that host large Pakistani diasporas are becoming wary, with some tightening visa requirements and increasing background checks.
For Malaysia, which has historically maintained close ties with Pakistan, the situation presents a policy dilemma: balancing humanitarian responses with border security and public safety.
Observers warn that without a concerted regional approach — and decisive action from Islamabad— such networks will continue to exploit legal loopholes, tarnishing Pakistan’s international standing and harming legitimate travellers and migrant workers.
“The world sees what’s happening,” Dr Farooq added. “And if Pakistan doesn’t act now, others will act for them.”
Reference: Pakistani begging networks spark global concern as Malaysia becomes new hub