ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official statistics issued by Pakistan’s federal government confirmed that a total of 21,951 Pakistani citizens were expelled from Gulf nations between March 1 and July 13, 2026. The figures, presented to the National Assembly, show that these deportations resulted from violations such as overstaying visas, illegal entries, drug-related crimes, forged documents, and participation in organized begging networks. The transfer of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over a span of four months for visa breaches and begging underscores the increasing enforcement of immigration policies across the Middle East.
A written statement from the Ministry for Narcotics Control outlined that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of these deportations, sending back 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 deported, a substantial group consisted of 4,628 absconders, 1,294 individuals who had served prison sentences, and 472 individuals identified specifically as beggars.
Close to 22,000 Pakistanis Removed from Gulf Nations as Immigration Measures Tighten
These developments come amid intensified scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council countries concerning compliance with immigration laws and visa standards. The Ministry’s records indicate that 1,924 Pakistanis were expelled from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry. Additionally, 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 administrative visa breaches.
The Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan has ramped up screening procedures at domestic airports to intercept travelers attempting to leave using forged documents or false pretenses. Officials stressed that those trying to exploit pilgrimage or tourist visas to engage in illegal labor or begging could face permanent bans on travel. Authorities confirmed ongoing collaboration with international agencies like Interpol to address criminal deportations effectively.
Saudi Arabia Dominates the List of Gulf Countries Sending Back Pakistanis
The official report states that 6,662 Pakistani nationals were deported under an unspecified category labeled “others,” where specific offenses were not detailed by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were deported from the UAE through Interpol channels. Other reasons for removal included expired residency permits, refusals of entry at border checkpoints, theft, and attempts to continue travel using invalid or fraudulent identification credentials.
Members of parliament voiced concerns about how such high deportation figures could affect Pakistan’s international reputation among overseas workers. Lawmakers urged for stricter oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment agencies to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. The government confirmed that monitoring efforts will persist to ensure that domestic emigration procedures comply with international legal standards.