ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official data from Pakistan’s federal government confirms that between March 1 and July 13, 2026, a total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were sent back from Gulf nations. Presented to the National Assembly, the government’s figures reveal that these deportations resulted from violations such as overstaying visas, illegal entries, drug-related crimes, counterfeit documents, and participation in organized begging networks. The movement of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis out of Gulf countries over just four months underscores a tightening of immigration controls across the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s official statement indicated that Saudi Arabia accounted for the majority of these repatriations, with 15,500 Pakistanis sent home during the period. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,803 individuals, Oman 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those repatriated, 4,628 were absconders, 1,294 had served prison sentences, and 472 were identified as beggars.
Details from the Ministry Reveal Expulsions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman
These updates coincide with increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council nations regarding immigration and visa compliance. According to official records, 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 violations. Moreover, 968 Pakistanis have been blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related to direct administrative visa breaches.
The Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan has ramped up airport screening procedures domestically to prevent travel using forged documents or false pretenses. Officials stressed that those attempting to exploit pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal labor or begging face permanent bans from traveling. Authorities highlighted ongoing coordination with international agencies like Interpol to manage criminal deportations effectively.
UAE Sends Over Three Thousand Citizens Back in Four Months
The report specifies that 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under an ambiguous “others” category, with no detailed offense classification provided by the interior ministry. Nine individuals were deported via Interpol channels. Additional reasons for deportation included expired residency permits, entry refusals at borders, theft, and attempting to travel further using invalid or fraudulent identity documents.
Members of parliament expressed concern over the repercussions of such high deportation figures on Pakistan’s overseas reputation. They urged stricter regulation of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to job seekers. Officials confirmed that measures to monitor and align domestic emigration procedures with international standards will persist.