More than 38,000 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf countries during 2025, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
According to official data, Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of deportations, with 27,692 Pakistanis sent back during the year. The United Arab Emirates followed with 6,794 deportations, making it the second-largest source of returns among Gulf states.
Other Gulf countries also contributed to the overall figure. Oman deported 2,537 Pakistani nationals, while 786 were deported from Bahrain. Qatar returned 644 Pakistanis, and Kuwait deported 163 individuals during the same period.
Sources said the reasons for deportation varied widely and included absconding from employers, overstaying visas, illegal entry, imprisonment, lost passports, and blacklisting by host authorities. Administrative and official violations, narcotics-related offences, visa breaches, and involvement in begging were also cited among the causes.
Additional grounds for deportation included refusal of entry at airports, expiry of visas, cases involving birth abroad without proper documentation, and violations of immigration laws. Authorities also listed general deportation orders, theft, visa cancellations, and the expiry of residence permits and passports as contributing factors.
Cases involving fake or forged documents, damaged passports, fraud, Interpol-related matters, rejected asylum applications, and other legal or security concerns were also recorded among the reasons for deportation.
The figures highlight ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani migrant workers and travellers in Gulf countries, where strict immigration and labour regulations remain in force. Officials say improved awareness, legal compliance, and documentation could help reduce the number of deportations in the future.
Reporter: Rozina Ali