ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official figures published by Pakistan’s federal government confirmed that a total of 21,951 Pakistani citizens were sent back from Gulf nations between March 1 and July 13, 2026. As per data presented to the National Assembly, these deportations resulted from multiple violations including overstayed visas, illegal entries, drug crimes, forged documents, and links to organized begging rings. The deportation of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis from the Gulf region over four months for visa breaches and begging underscores a tightening of immigration controls across the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s official statement revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of these repatriations, with 15,500 Pakistani nationals expelled during this period. The United Arab Emirates sent back 3,803 individuals, Oman deported 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those repatriated, a considerable portion included 4,628 absconders, 1,294 individuals who had served prison terms, and 472 persons identified as beggars.
Nearly 22,000 Pakistanis Returned from Gulf Nations Following Immigration Crackdowns
These developments occur amid increased attention from Gulf Cooperation Council countries regarding immigration compliance and visa security. Records from the ministry indicate that 1,924 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry. Similarly, the UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 individuals respectively for similar reasons. In addition, 968 Pakistanis have been blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related directly to administrative visa violations.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has stepped up airport screening measures domestically to intercept travelers attempting to leave using forged documents or false claims. Officials highlighted that those trying to misuse pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal labor or begging activities face permanent bans on travel. Regulatory bodies also emphasized ongoing coordination between local law enforcement and international agencies such as Interpol to handle criminal deportations.
Saudi Arabia Leads the Gulf Repatriation Numbers
The official report specified that 6,662 Pakistani citizens were deported under an unclassified “others” category, where detailed reasons for removal were not provided by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were deported via Interpol channels from the UAE. Other causes for deportation included expired residency permits, border entry refusals, theft, and attempts to travel onward using invalid or fraudulent identity documents.
Members of parliament expressed concern over how these high deportation figures might affect Pakistan’s international reputation as a destination for overseas workers. Lawmakers urged for tighter oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Officials confirmed that ongoing monitoring efforts will continue to align domestic emigration procedures with international legal standards.