ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Data published by Pakistan’s federal government confirms that a total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf nations from March 1 to July 13, 2026. Presented to the National Assembly, official statistics attribute these expulsions to a range of violations such as overstaying visas, illegal crossings, drug-related crimes, counterfeit documents, and involvement in organized begging networks. The deportation 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 returns, with 15,500 Pakistani nationals expelled during this period. The United Arab Emirates followed with 3,803 deportations, then Oman with 1,606, Bahrain with 521, Qatar with 429, and Kuwait with 97. Among those repatriated, a notable portion included 4,628 absconders, 1,294 individuals who had served prison terms, and 472 individuals identified specifically as beggars.
Mass Deportations of Pakistanis from Gulf States Following Crackdowns on Immigration
These developments coincide with increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council nations regarding immigration compliance and visa security. Records from the ministry indicate that 1,924 individuals were expelled from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry, while the UAE and Oman deported 347 and 295 Pakistanis respectively for similar reasons. Furthermore, 968 Pakistani nationals were blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related to direct administrative visa violations.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has strengthened security measures at domestic airports to intercept individuals attempting to travel abroad using forged documents or false pretenses. Officials highlighted that those trying to exploit pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal work or begging will face permanent travel bans. Coordinated efforts continue between domestic law enforcement and international agencies like Interpol to oversee criminal deportations.
Saudi Arabia Leads in Gulf Repatriation Figures
The official report states that 6,662 Pakistani nationals were deported under an unclassified “others” category, where specific offense details were not provided by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were deported from the UAE via Interpol channels. Other reasons for deportation included expired residency permits, border entry refusals, theft, and attempts to travel onward using invalid or fraudulent identities.
Members of parliament voiced concern over the effect these high deportation figures could have on Pakistan’s reputation abroad. Lawmakers urged for stricter oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Government authorities affirmed that monitoring measures will persist to ensure domestic emigration procedures conform to international legal standards.