ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – According to official figures published by Pakistan’s federal government, a total of 21,951 Pakistani citizens were sent back from Gulf nations between March 1 and July 13, 2026. Data presented to the National Assembly indicates these deportations resulted from violations such as visa overstays, illegal border crossings, drug-related offenses, counterfeit documentation, and participation in organized begging rings. The nearly 22,000 Pakistanis expelled over a four-month period due to visa breaches and begging underscores the tightening of immigration controls across the Middle East region.
A written statement from the Ministry for Narcotics Control revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for most of these expulsions, with 15,500 Pakistani nationals sent back in this period. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,803 individuals, followed by Oman with 1,606, Bahrain with 521, Qatar with 429, and Kuwait with 97. Among those repatriated, 4,628 were absconders, 1,294 had served prison terms, and 472 were identified as beggars.
Nearly 22,000 Pakistanis Sent Back from Gulf Countries as Immigration Checks Intensify
These developments occur amid increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council nations concerning immigration compliance and visa authenticity. Records from the ministry show that Saudi Arabia deported 1,924 individuals for overstaying or illegal entry, while the UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 persons respectively for similar violations. Furthermore, 968 Pakistanis were blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related directly to administrative visa breaches.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has ramped up airport security measures to prevent individuals from traveling abroad using forged documents or false pretenses. Officials stressed that those attempting to misuse pilgrimage or tourism visas for illegal work or begging face permanent bans on future travel. Authorities highlighted ongoing coordinated efforts between domestic law enforcement and international agencies like Interpol to address criminal deportations effectively.
Saudi Arabia Leads in Deportation Numbers from Gulf States
The official report specifies that 6,662 Pakistani nationals were deported under an unspecified “others” category, with no detailed offense classifications provided by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were deported from the UAE specifically through Interpol channels. The report also includes other reasons for repatriation, such as expired residence permits, refusals at border checks, theft, and attempts to travel onward using invalid or fraudulent identification documents.
Members of parliament voiced concern about how these high deportation figures could affect Pakistan’s international reputation among overseas workers. Lawmakers urged for stricter oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment companies to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Government agencies assured that monitoring efforts will continue to ensure that domestic emigration practices align with international legal standards.