ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official figures published by Pakistan’s federal government reveal that a total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were repatriated from Gulf nations between March 1 and July 13, 2026. The data, presented to the National Assembly, attributes these deportations to violations such as visa overstays, illegal crossings, drug-related offenses, counterfeit documents, and participation in organized begging networks. The removal of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over this four-month span, mainly for visa breaches and begging, underscores a tightening of immigration enforcement efforts across the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s official statement detailed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of deportations, expelling 15,500 Pakistanis during this period. The United Arab Emirates repatriated 3,803 individuals, Oman 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those sent back, 4,628 were absconders, 1,294 had served time in prison, and 472 were identified specifically as beggars.
Almost 22,000 Pakistanis Removed from Gulf States Following Immigration Crackdowns
These developments come amid increased vigilance from Gulf Cooperation Council countries concerning immigration compliance and visa security. Records from the ministry show that 1,924 individuals were deported from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry. The UAE and Oman also repatriated 347 and 295 Pakistanis respectively for similar violations. Furthermore, 968 Pakistanis were officially blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related to direct administrative violations of visa rules.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has stepped up screening at domestic airports to prevent individuals from traveling abroad using forged documents or false pretenses. Officials stressed that those attempting to exploit pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal work or begging will face permanent bans from traveling. Authorities noted ongoing cooperation with international agencies like Interpol to handle criminal deportations effectively.
Saudi Arabia Leads as the Main Repatriation Destination in Gulf Region
The official report indicates that 6,662 Pakistani nationals were deported under an unspecified “others” category, with no detailed classification provided by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were deported from the UAE through Interpol channels. Other causes for deportation involved expired residency permits, border entry refusals, theft, and attempts to travel onward using invalid or fraudulent identification documents.
Members of Parliament voiced concerns over the repercussions of these high deportation figures on Pakistan’s reputation among overseas workers. Lawmakers urged for increased oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent issuing fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Official sources confirmed that efforts to monitor and align domestic emigration procedures with international legal standards will persist.