ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official data published by Pakistan’s federal government confirmed that a total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf nations from March 1 to July 13, 2026. The figures, submitted to the National Assembly, indicate that these deportations resulted from violations such as overstaying visas, illegal entries, drug-related offenses, forged documentation, and participation in organized begging networks. The deportation of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over this four-month span highlights the intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws across the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s written report revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for most of the repatriations, with 15,500 Pakistani nationals expelled during this period. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,803 individuals, Oman sent back 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those repatriated, 4,628 were absconders, 1,294 had served prison terms, and 472 were specifically identified as beggars.
Expulsions from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman According to Ministry Records
This development coincides with increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council countries regarding immigration compliance and visa authenticity. The records show that Saudi Arabia deported 1,924 individuals for overstaying or illegal entry, while the UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 individuals respectively for similar reasons. Additionally, 968 Pakistanis have been blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved passports reported lost, and 689 cases related to direct visa violations administered by authorities.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has stepped up screening procedures at domestic airports to prevent travel on forged documents or false pretenses. Officials highlighted that those attempting to misuse pilgrimage or tourist visas to undertake illegal work or begging face permanent bans on traveling abroad. Authorities emphasized ongoing cooperation between domestic law enforcement and international organizations like Interpol to handle criminal deportations effectively.
Over Three Thousand Pakistanis Deported from UAE in Four Months
The report indicated that 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under an unspecified “others” category, with no detailed offense listed by the interior ministry. Nine of these individuals were deported through Interpol channels specifically from the UAE. Other reasons for deportation included expired residency permits, refusals at border crossings, theft, and attempts at onward travel using invalid or fraudulent identification documents.
Lawmakers expressed concern about the repercussions of these high deportation figures on Pakistan’s international reputation as a source of migrant workers. They urged stricter regulation of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Government officials confirmed that ongoing monitoring efforts will continue to ensure that domestic emigration procedures comply with international standards.