ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – According to official data published by Pakistan’s federal government, a total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were expelled from Gulf countries between March 1 and July 13, 2026. The figures, presented to the National Assembly, reveal that these deportations stemmed from violations such as overstaying visas, illegal entries, drug-related crimes, forged documents, and involvement in organized begging rings. The nearly 22,000 Pakistanis deported over just four months underscores a tightening of immigration controls throughout the Middle East.
A statement from the Ministry for Narcotics Control outlined that Saudi Arabia led the deportation figures, sending back 15,500 Pakistanis during this period. The United Arab Emirates repatriated 3,803 individuals, with Oman following at 1,606 deportations. Bahrain deported 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among the deported group, 4,628 were absconders, 1,294 had served prison sentences, and 472 were identified specifically as beggars.
Deportations of Nearly 22,000 Pakistanis from Gulf States Reflect Immigration Enforcement Surge
These developments come amid increased scrutiny by Gulf Cooperation Council countries over immigration compliance and visa validity. Records from the ministry show that 1,924 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry. Similarly, UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 individuals respectively for comparable reasons. Additionally, 968 Pakistanis have been 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 airport screening efforts to prevent individuals from traveling abroad using forged documents or false pretenses. Officials have emphasized that those exploiting pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal labor or begging face lifetime bans from traveling. Authorities also highlighted ongoing cooperation with international agencies like Interpol to handle criminal deportations effectively.
Saudi Arabia Constitutes Majority of Repatriations in Gulf Region
The official report notes that 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under a broad category labeled “others,” where specific offenses were not detailed by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were deported from the UAE via Interpol channels. Other reasons for deportation include expired residency permits, border entry refusals, theft, and attempts to travel onward using invalid or fraudulent identity credentials.
Members of parliament voiced concerns about how these high numbers of deportations could affect Pakistan’s international reputation among overseas workers. Lawmakers called for increased oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Authorities confirmed that efforts to monitor and align domestic emigration procedures with international legal standards will continue to be a priority.