Over 38,000 Pakistanis Deported from Gulf Countries in 2025, Saudi Arabia Tops List

A majority of Pakistani nationals deported in 2025 were returned from Gulf countries, according to a report, highlighting ongoing migration and immigration compliance challenges faced by overseas workers. Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations, sending back 27,692 Pakistanis. The United Arab Emirates followed with 6,794 deportations. Other Gulf states also recorded removals, including Oman with 2,537 cases, Bahrain with 786, Qatar with 644, and Kuwait with 163.

Officials stated that deportations of Pakistani expatriates were triggered by multiple factors, including absconding from employers, visa overstays, illegal entry, imprisonment, lost or invalid travel documents, and blacklisting. Administrative violations, breaches of visa conditions, involvement in narcotics-related offenses, begging, and other legal infractions were also cited as key reasons for removal.

Additional causes included refusal of entry at airports, expired residency permits, undocumented births abroad, and violations of local immigration laws. Authorities also recorded cases linked to theft, visa cancellations, forged or fake documents, damaged passports, fraud, Interpol-related matters, and rejected asylum applications.

The data reflects the strict enforcement of immigration and labor regulations across Gulf Cooperation Council countries and underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Pakistani migrant workers and travelers in the region. Officials emphasize that greater awareness of host country laws, proper documentation, adherence to visa rules, and compliance with employment contracts can significantly reduce the risk of detention, penalties, and deportation for overseas Pakistanis.