An important warning has been issued for Pakistani citizens intending to travel to Saudi Arabia, as the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) has highlighted the country’s strict customs regulations.
Under Saudi law, the import or transportation of any form of narcotics is strictly prohibited. However, authorities have cautioned that certain items commonly regarded as harmless may also be considered serious offences under Saudi regulations.
According to the bureau, poppy seeds are classified as highly sensitive items in Saudi Arabia, and their import is completely banned.
Similarly, nutmeg and nutmeg powder, if carried in large quantities, may fall under prohibited or restricted items due to their potential psychoactive effects, despite being widely used in cooking and confectionery in Pakistan and India.
The Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment further stated that the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has issued an official list of prohibited items to guide travellers and prevent unintentional violations of the law.
Authorities have advised all Pakistanis travelling abroad for employment or other purposes to familiarise themselves thoroughly with Saudi laws before departure and to carefully review the list of banned items, as any negligence could result in heavy fines or legal action.
