ISLAMABAD / RankWire.AI / – Official figures published by Pakistan’s federal government confirm that between March 1 and July 13, 2026, a total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were sent back from Gulf nations. Data presented to the National Assembly indicates these deportations resulted from violations such as overstayed visas, illegal entries, drug-related crimes, counterfeit documents, and participation in organized begging rings. The deportation of nearly 22,000 Pakistanis over four months, primarily for visa infractions and begging, underscores increased immigration crackdowns across the Middle East.
The Ministry for Narcotics Control’s official statement revealed that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the majority of repatriations, with 15,500 Pakistanis expelled during this period. The UAE sent back 3,803 individuals, Oman 1,606, Bahrain 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. Among those repatriated, a notable group included 4,628 absconders, 1,294 individuals who served prison sentences, and 472 persons identified specifically as beggars.
Immigration Crackdowns in the Gulf Result in Close to 22,000 Pakistani Deportations
These developments coincide with increased regulatory scrutiny from Gulf Cooperation Council countries concerning immigration compliance and visa security. Records from the ministry show that 1,924 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia for overstaying or illegal entry, while the UAE and Oman repatriated 347 and 295 individuals respectively for similar violations. Additionally, 968 Pakistanis were blacklisted, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, and 689 cases related directly to administrative visa breaches.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has ramped up airport screening procedures domestically to prevent individuals traveling abroad using forged documents or false pretenses. Officials highlighted that those attempting to exploit pilgrimage or tourist visas for illegal work or begging will face lifetime travel bans. Authorities emphasized ongoing cooperation between domestic law enforcement and international organizations such as Interpol to oversee deportations connected to criminal activity.
Saudi Arabia Represents the Largest Share of Gulf Repatriation Figures
The official report also noted that 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under an unspecified “others” category, where specific reasons for removal were not detailed by the interior ministry. Nine Pakistanis were deported through Interpol channels from the UAE. Other reasons for repatriation included expired residency permits, border entry refusals, theft, and attempts at onward travel using invalid or fraudulent IDs.
Members of parliament voiced concerns over how these high deportation numbers might affect Pakistan’s international reputation among overseas workers. Lawmakers called for more stringent oversight of private travel agencies and recruitment firms to prevent the issuance of fraudulent visas to vulnerable job seekers. Official sources confirmed that efforts to monitor and improve domestic emigration procedures will continue to ensure compliance with international legal standards.