ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Data issued by Pakistan’s federal government confirmed that 21,951 Pakistani citizens were sent back from Gulf states between March 1 and July 13, 2026. As per official reports submitted to the National Assembly, the deportations were driven by various violations such as overstaying visas, illegal crossings, drug-related crimes, falsified documents, and involvement in organized begging rings. The export of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis from Gulf nations over this four-month span, primarily due to visa breaches and begging, underscores a tightening of immigration control throughout the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s official statement revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of these deportations, removing 15,500 Pakistani nationals in this period. The United Arab Emirates expelled 3,803 individuals, while Oman sent back 1,606. Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait reported 521, 429, and 97 deportations respectively. Among those repatriated, a notable number included 4,628 absconders, 1,294 who served prison sentences, and 472 identified as beggars.
Gulf Countries Deport Nearly 22,000 Pakistanis amid Immigration Enforcement Push
The latest figures coincide with increased vigilance by Gulf Cooperation Council countries regarding visa compliance and immigration regulations. Records show that Saudi Arabia deported 1,924 individuals for overstaying or illegal entry. Similarly, the UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 Pakistanis respectively for similar offenses. Additionally, 968 Pakistanis were officially placed on blacklists, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related to direct visa violations managed administratively.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has ramped up screening procedures at domestic airports to intercept travelers attempting to depart with forged documents or under false pretenses. Officials have stressed that those trying to misuse pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal labor or begging face lifetime travel bans. Authorities also highlighted ongoing cooperation with international agencies like Interpol to handle criminal deportations.
Saudi Arabia Leads Gulf Repatriation Figures
According to the official report, 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under an unspecified “others” category, where specific offenses were not detailed by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were expelled from the UAE via Interpol channels. Other reasons for deportation included expired residency permits, refusals at border crossings, theft, and attempts to travel onward with invalid or forged identities.
Members of parliament expressed concern about how these high deportation rates could affect Pakistan’s international reputation among overseas workers. Lawmakers urged stricter oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Officials confirmed that efforts to monitor and align domestic migration procedures with international legal standards will continue.