Over 21,000 Pakistanis deported from Gulf countries

Between March 1 and July 13, 2026, a total of 21,951 Pakistanis were deported from various Gulf countries, according to the Ministry of Narcotics Control. The deportations were carried out for a range of reasons, including overstaying, begging, illegal entries, drug offenses, refused asylum, forged documentation, and security concerns.

The majority of those deported were from Saudi Arabia, with nearly 15,500 Pakistanis removed from the country. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,803 Pakistanis, while Oman sent 1,606 back, Bahrain expelled 521, Qatar removed 429, and Kuwait deported 97 Pakistanis.

In addition to the aforementioned reasons, 6,662 Pakistanis were deported under the "Others" category, for which the Ministry of Interior did not specify the exact offenses. Among the deportees were 472 Pakistani beggars and nine individuals who were expelled through Interpol. The Gulf States also deported several Pakistanis after they were refused further travel, as well as those with expired iqamas and passports, individuals involved in theft, and those who had committed violations of immigration laws.

In terms of specific actions, Saudi Arabia deported the most absconders, with 3,921 Pakistanis being removed from the country, followed by the UAE, which expelled 636 of its citizens. Saudi Arabia also deported 1,924 Pakistani nationals for overstaying, illegal entries, or illegal stays, while the UAE and Oman deported 347 and 295 individuals for similar offenses.