Gulf countries deported over 38,000 Pakistanis last year, NA told

Over 38,000 Pakistanis were deported from Gulf countries over the past year, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis informed the National Assembly on Wednesday.

According to details presented in the parliament, Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest number of deportations, with 27,692 Pakistanis sent back, followed by 6,794 from the United Arab Emirates and 2,537 from Oman.

Bahrain deported 786 Pakistanis, Qatar 644, and Kuwait 163.

The ministry said that 6,939 Pakistanis were deported for being absconders in various cases. 4,872 were sent back for illegal entry or overstaying.

2,500 were deported from Gulf jails while 1,639 were blacklisted, while 1,125 faced deportation due to drug-related offences. Visa violations accounted for 936 cases, theft for 190, and begging for 780.

Immigration law violations led to 332 deportations, and 15 Pakistanis were deported via Interpol requests.

The report also noted that over 14,000 Pakistanis were deported from Gulf countries for other reasons.

The ministry said these figures highlight the importance of compliance with local laws and immigration regulations for Pakistani workers abroad.