ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official data from Pakistan’s federal government confirmed that 21,951 Pakistani nationals were sent back from Gulf countries between March 1 and July 13, 2026. The figures, presented to the National Assembly, show these deportations resulted from violations such as overstaying visas, illegal entries, drug offenses, forged documents, and involvement in organized begging networks. The deportation of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over just four months for visa breaches and begging underscores increased immigration enforcement in the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s written statement revealed that Saudi Arabia led with the highest number, expelling 15,500 Pakistani nationals during this period. The UAE deported 3,803 individuals, Oman 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those sent back, 4,628 were absconders, 1,294 served prison sentences, and 472 were identified as beggars.
Expulsions from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman Highlight Focus on Immigration
These actions come amid increased Gulf Cooperation Council scrutiny of immigration rules and visa compliance. The Ministry recorded that 1,924 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry. The UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 individuals respectively for similar reasons. Additionally, 968 Pakistanis were blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related to direct visa violations.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has stepped up airport screening to catch those trying to travel abroad with fake or forged documents. Officials stressed that those who misuse pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal work or begging face permanent bans. Authorities highlighted ongoing coordination with international agencies like Interpol to handle criminal deportations.
UAE Deportation of Over Three Thousand Pakistanis in Four Months
The report states that 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under an unspecified “others” category, where no specific offenses were listed by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistani nationals were deported through Interpol channels. Other reasons included expired residency permits, border entry refusals, theft, and attempts to travel onward with invalid or fraudulent IDs.
Members of Parliament voiced concerns about how such high deportation figures could affect Pakistan’s reputation abroad. They urged tighter oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent issuing fraudulent visas to vulnerable workers. Official sources confirmed that monitoring will continue to ensure that domestic emigration practices align with international legal standards.