ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – In a report released by Pakistan’s federal government, official figures show that 21,951 Pakistani citizens were repatriated from Gulf nations from March 1 to July 13, 2026. As per data submitted to the National Assembly, these deportations were driven by various violations such as visa overstays, illegal entries, drug-related offenses, counterfeit documents, and participation in organized begging networks. The deportation of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over just four months underscores the increased crackdown on immigration violations across the Middle East.
A detailed statement from the Ministry for Narcotics Control revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of these repatriations, sending back 15,500 Pakistani nationals within the period. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,803 people, Oman 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those sent back, a large portion included 4,628 absconders, 1,294 serving prison sentences, and 472 identified as beggars.
Details on Deportations from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman
These official figures come amid increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council nations regarding immigration compliance and visa integrity. The records indicate that 1,924 Pakistanis were expelled from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry. The UAE and Oman also deported 347 and 295 individuals respectively for similar reasons. Furthermore, 968 Pakistanis were blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases concerned direct administrative violations related to visas.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has ramped up airport screening procedures to intercept individuals traveling abroad with fake documents or under false pretenses. Officials highlighted that those trying to misuse pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal work or begging face lifelong bans on travel. Authorities confirmed ongoing cooperation with international agencies like Interpol to address criminal deportations effectively.
UAE Repatriates Over Three Thousand Nationals in Four Months
The official report states that 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under an unspecified “others” category, with no specific offense details provided by the interior ministry. Nine individuals were deported via Interpol channels specifically from the UAE. The report also cited reasons such as expired residency permits, refusals at border crossings, theft, and attempts at onward travel using invalid or fraudulent identity documents.
Lawmakers voiced concern over how these high deportation figures might impact Pakistan’s reputation abroad. They urged stricter oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent fraudulent visa issuance to vulnerable job seekers. Government representatives assured that measures to monitor emigration are ongoing and aligned with international legal standards.