ISLAMABAD: Nearly 22,000 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf countries during six months, according to official figures presented before the National Assembly.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the National Assembly that 21,951 Pakistani citizens were deported between March and July 2026 from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
According to the government, the deportees included individuals involved in illegal stays, violations of visa and residency regulations, drug-related cases, absconding and breaches of other local laws.
Officials told the assembly that Pakistani nationals detained by authorities in the respective countries were repatriated after Pakistani missions issued emergency travel documents. Those who returned voluntarily were not included in the deportation figures.
The government clarified that the reasons for deportation varied from case to case, with violations involving immigration, visa, residency and other local regulations recorded among the cases.
Meanwhile, the government has activated special courts in Islamabad and all 36 districts of Punjab to protect the property rights of overseas Pakistanis. The courts are intended to expedite the resolution of disputes involving properties owned by Pakistanis living abroad.
The government has also advised Pakistanis travelling to Gulf countries to thoroughly verify their visas, residency permits and other travel documents before departure and strictly comply with the laws of their host countries.
Authorities said adherence to local regulations would help travellers avoid deportation and other legal complications.
