Over 3,500 Pakistanis Detained in UAE in 2025, Reports Reveal Rising Expat Challenges

In 2025, a total of 3,523 Pakistani nationals were reported imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ submission to the National Assembly. Thousands of these citizens received legal assistance, while many were released through clemency and pardon measures facilitated by Pakistani diplomatic missions in the UAE.

Official data revealed that Abu Dhabi alone held 1,050 Pakistani prisoners across its jails and rehabilitation centers. Up to November 2025, Pakistani embassies and consulates provided legal aid and counselling to 769 prisoners, covering both civil and criminal cases. To ensure proper monitoring and support, embassy and consular officials conducted 276 visits to prisons, immigration centers, and police stations during the first three quarters of the year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively submitted clemency and pardon requests to UAE authorities on behalf of Pakistani nationals, filing 350 applications in 2025. These efforts contributed to the release of 1,133 Pakistani prisoners during Ramadan on March 27 and another 766 individuals during Eid al-Adha on July 15.

Additionally, by the end of November 2025, Pakistani missions issued 7,370 Emergency Travel Documents to citizens in distress, enabling them to return home safely. The government emphasized its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Pakistanis through consistent diplomatic engagement and consular support.