ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – A total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals were deported from various Gulf countries between March 1 and July 13, 2026, due to a range of legal and administrative violations. The grounds for these deportations included visa overstays, begging, illegal entry, drug-related offenses, rejected asylum claims, the use of forged documentation, and security-related concerns.

Official Statistics on Deportations

These figures were officially disclosed in a written response submitted by the Ministry of Narcotics Control during a session of the National Assembly. The data was provided in response to a parliamentary inquiry raised by MNA Hameed Hussain. Among the recorded cases, 4,628 individuals were deported as absconders, 1,294 had completed jail sentences or were detained, and 968 were formally blacklisted by host nations. Furthermore, 1,155 cases involved lost passports, 689 individuals were removed for visa violations, and 342 were denied entry upon arrival.

Breakdown by Gulf Nations

The report highlights that Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of these actions, returning approximately 15,500 Pakistani nationals during the four-month period. Following Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deported 3,803 individuals, Oman reported 1,606 cases, Bahrain recorded 521, Qatar 429, and Kuwait 97. It is noteworthy that while PTI Founder Returned to Adiala Jail After Medical Examination: Atta Tarar remains a key domestic headline, the government continues to manage significant consular and migration challenges abroad.

Categories and Additional Factors

Data presented in the assembly indicated that 6,662 individuals were categorized under the heading of “Others,” though the Ministry did not provide specific details regarding the exact nature of these offenses. Additionally, the deportation of 472 Pakistani beggars was explicitly noted. Security cooperation also played a role, with nine individuals deported from the UAE through Interpol channels.

Other cited reasons for deportation included incidents of theft, navigation of war zones, impersonation, expired iqamas, and general violations of immigration regulations. Saudi Arabia recorded the highest incidence of absconders, with 3,921 cases, while the UAE reported 636. Regarding illegal entry or visa overstays, Saudi Arabia deported 1,924 individuals, while the UAE and Oman followed with 347 and 295 respectively. While Imran Khan Alleges Solitary Confinement and Torture, Says Sister Dr Uzma captures domestic political attention, the Ministry of Narcotics Control emphasized that it is working closely with relevant departments to streamline the repatriation and monitoring processes for affected citizens. Readers may also refer to updates on Pensioners to Get Free Proof of Life Certificates Through NADRA for related administrative developments.