The Federal Investigation Agency offloaded 16 alleged beggars in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia-bound flight at Multan airport recently.

According to the FIA, the group, consisting of 16 persons, including a child, 11 women and four men, was initially travelling on Umrah visas, reported Dawn News.

The FIA officials during the immigration process questioned the passengers who confessed that they were going to visit the KSA to seek alms.

They also revealed that they would have to give half of their earnings from begging to the agents involved in their travel arrangements, the newspaper reported.

They were to return to Pakistan after the expiry of their Umrah visas.

The FIA Multan circle arrested the passengers for further interrogation and legal action.