Gulf States Deportation: In 2025, Gulf nations deported 38,500 Pakistani nationals, as reported by Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to the National Assembly on February 12, 2026. The deportations primarily originated from Saudi Arabia, which accounted for 27,692 cases, followed by the UAE with 6,794, Oman with 2,537, Bahrain with 786, Qatar with 644, and Kuwait with 163.
The report highlighted that 6,939 deportations were due to criminal charges, while 4,872 individuals were sent back for illegal entry or overstaying. Additionally, approximately 2,500 Pakistani prisoners were expelled from Gulf jails.
Further analysis revealed that 1,639 individuals were blacklisted, 1,125 faced deportation on drug-related charges, 936 were removed due to visa violations, 190 for theft, 780 for begging, and 332 for various immigration law breaches. Interpol facilitated the deportation of 15 individuals, while over 14,000 were deported for other reasons.
These deportations are part of a broader regional trend of tightening immigration controls. The rising number of deportations may impact Pakistan’s labor export policies and its economic relations with Gulf countries. Observers anticipate potential diplomatic negotiations to address these issues.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 12th, 2026
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