ISLAMABAD: Overseas Pakistanis and Pakistani citizens aspiring to travel orseek employment in Saudi Arabia have received a critical advisory from theBureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment regarding strict customsprohibitions on certain everyday items. The Kingdom enforces azero-tolerance policy on narcotics and psychotropic substances, extendingto seemingly innocuous goods like poppy seeds and nutmeg, which can lead tosevere legal consequences including imprisonment and deportation. Thiswarning underscores the importance of thorough preparation to avoidunintentional violations that could derail life-changing opportunitiesabroad. The same rules almost apply to the United Arab Emirates entry.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has highlighted that SaudiArabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority maintains an official anddetailed list of prohibited goods for passengers and travelers. This listexplicitly includes nutmeg fruit and its powder due to the presence ofmyristicin, a compound capable of inducing hallucinogenic effects whenconsumed in significant quantities. Although nutmeg remains a populararomatic spice in South Asian cuisines for enhancing sweet and savorydishes, its unrestricted form is barred to prevent potential misuse andprotect public health.
Poppy seeds, commonly known as khashkhash in Urdu and widely used inPakistani and Indian baking and cooking, represent one of the mostsensitive items on the prohibited roster. These seeds derive from the opiumpoppy plant and may contain trace amounts of morphine and codeine,prompting their classification under narcotics regulations. Even smallculinary quantities or residual traces on clothing or luggage can triggerserious criminal charges, as Saudi authorities apply stringent drug controlmeasures without exceptions for cultural or dietary uses.
Official records from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority confirm thatprohibited items carried by travelers frequently include not only narcoticsbut also specific spices like nutmeg. The authority’s guidelines, updatedthrough ministerial decisions, impose fines, confiscation, and potentialjail terms on violators. Recent enforcement actions demonstrate ongoingvigilance, with customs ports recording numerous seizures of restrictedsubstances to safeguard societal norms and security.
For Pakistanis, where these spices form integral parts of traditionalrecipes, the ban creates a notable challenge. Many intending migrants orpilgrims remain unaware that items legally purchased and consumed at homebecome illegal upon entry into Saudi Arabia. The Bureau emphasizes thatignorance of these regulations offers no defense, urging comprehensivereview of the prohibited goods list available on the official ZATCA websitebefore departure to mitigate risks.
Beyond poppy seeds and nutmeg, the prohibitions encompass a broader rangeof goods, including all forms of intoxicants, unregistered medications, anditems conflicting with cultural or religious standards. Travelers mustexercise caution with personal belongings, as even unintentional possessioncan result in detention at ports of entry. The advisory serves as apreventive measure, particularly for those heading for employment underbilateral agreements between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Employment prospects in Saudi Arabia attract thousands of Pakistanisannually, drawn by opportunities in construction, domestic work, and othersectors. However, customs compliance stands as a prerequisite forsuccessful entry and integration. The Bureau’s repeated warnings aim toprotect citizens from legal pitfalls that could lead to financial losses,damaged reputations, and interrupted careers abroad.
Experts recommend consulting official sources and avoiding carrying anyquestionable items in luggage. Declaring goods accurately and opting forhand-carry of permitted essentials further reduces complications. Asbilateral ties strengthen through labor migration frameworks, adherence tohost country laws remains essential for sustaining positive relations andindividual success.
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This development reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to rigorousborder controls amid global concerns over substance abuse. By publicizingthese restrictions, authorities seek to educate international travelers andprevent inadvertent breaches that burden judicial systems. Pakistanioutbound workers are thus advised to prioritize awareness and compliance intheir travel planning.
The advisory reinforces personal responsibility in international mobility.With clear guidelines now accessible, prospective travelers can equipthemselves with knowledge to ensure safe and lawful journeys, preservingtheir aspirations for better livelihoods without legal encumbrances.
Source:https://zatca.gov.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Taxes/Pages/customsindividual/Prohibited-goods.aspx
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