ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official figures released by Pakistan’s federal government confirm that a total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were sent back from Gulf nations between March 1 and July 13, 2026. As detailed in official data provided to the National Assembly, these deportations resulted from violations such as overstaying visas, illegal entries, drug-related crimes, forged documents, and participation in organized begging networks. The deportation of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over four months for visa violations and begging underscores a tightening of immigration enforcement across the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s written statement revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of these expulsions, with 15,500 Pakistani nationals repatriated within this period. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,803 individuals, Oman 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those sent back, a considerable portion included 4,628 absconders, 1,294 individuals who had served prison sentences, and 472 identified specifically as beggars.
Nearly 22,000 Pakistanis Sent Back from Gulf Nations Following Immigration Crackdowns
These developments come amid increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council countries regarding immigration compliance and visa security. According to ministry records, 1,924 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry. Meanwhile, UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 individuals respectively for similar reasons. Furthermore, 968 Pakistanis were officially placed on blacklists, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related to direct administrative violations of visa regulations.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has stepped up screening procedures at domestic airports to detect those attempting to travel abroad using forged documents or under false pretenses. Officials highlighted that individuals exploiting pilgrimage or tourist visas to undertake illegal work or begging face permanent bans from traveling. Authorities noted ongoing coordination with law enforcement agencies and international organizations like Interpol to manage deportations linked to criminal activities.
Saudi Arabia Leads the Repatriation Numbers from Gulf Countries
The official report states 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 through Interpol channels. Other reasons for repatriation included expired residency permits, refusals at border crossings, theft, and attempts to travel onward using invalid or fraudulent identity documents.
Members of parliament voiced concerns about how these high deportation figures could impact Pakistan’s image internationally, especially regarding overseas workers. Lawmakers urged for increased oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent issuing fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Government officials affirmed that monitoring efforts will continue to ensure that domestic emigration processes remain aligned with international legal standards.