ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official figures issued by Pakistan’s federal government confirm that 21,951 Pakistani nationals were sent back from Gulf nations from March 1 to July 13, 2026. The data presented to the National Assembly shows these deportations stemmed from various violations, including visa overstays, illegal entries, drug-related offenses, forged documents, and participation in organized begging rings. The expulsion of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over four months for visa infringements and begging underscores a tightening of immigration controls across the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s official statement revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of these repatriations, sending back 15,500 Pakistanis during this period. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,803 individuals, with Oman following at 1,606, Bahrain at 521, Qatar at 429, and Kuwait at 97. Among those expelled, a notable group included 4,628 absconders, 1,294 who had served prison terms, and 472 identified as beggars.
Details on Expulsions from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman
The latest updates come amid increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council countries regarding immigration laws and visa validity. According to government records, 1,924 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia due to overstaying or illegal entry. The UAE and Oman also repatriated 347 and 295 individuals respectively on similar grounds. Furthermore, 968 Pakistanis were officially blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related to direct administrative visa violations.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has ramped up airport screening to intercept travelers attempting to leave with forged or false documentation. Officials highlighted that those exploiting pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal labor or begging face permanent bans on future travel. Authorities also confirmed that coordinated efforts between domestic law enforcement and international agencies like Interpol continue to be active in managing criminal deportations.
UAE Deports Over Three Thousand Citizens in Four Months
The official report notes that 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under an ambiguous “others” category, with the interior ministry not providing specific offense details. Nine Pakistanis were deported from the UAE through Interpol channels. Additional reasons for removal included expired residency permits, border entry refusals, theft, and attempts to travel onward using invalid or fraudulent IDs.
Members of parliament expressed concern over the effects these high deportation figures could have on Pakistan’s international reputation for overseas workers. They urged tighter regulation of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Government officials confirmed that efforts to monitor emigration processes will persist, ensuring alignment with international legal standards.