Saudi Arabia has deported an estimated 24,000 Pakistani nationals this year over allegations of begging, a figure that highlights growing concerns among Gulf countries about misuse of visas and illegal activities by some foreign travellers, according to officials and media reports. At the same time, authorities in Dubai have sent back around 6,000 Pakistanis on similar grounds, underscoring heightened enforcement of immigration and public order laws in the region.
The figures were presented during a recent session of Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Rights, where Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Riffat Mukhtar Rajabriefed lawmakers on deportations, travel restrictions and broader illegal migration trends involving Pakistani citizens. Raja told the committee that these deportations form part of a larger pattern of foreigners being either turned away at entry points or expelled from host countries for failing to comply with local regulations.
While Saudi Arabia leads in the number of deportations linked to begging, data presented to the panel indicate that other countries are also taking action. Azerbaijan has reportedly deported about 2,500 Pakistani nationals on similar accusations, reflecting that the issue is not confined to the Gulf region alone. The FIA chief noted that in many cases, travellers do not possess sufficient or verifiable documentation, prompting immigration authorities abroad to refuse entry or order deportation.
Raja told lawmakers that over 51,000 Pakistanis have been denied entry to foreign countries this year due to incomplete, unverified, or bogus travel documents, while others were stopped at airports before boarding flights. The FIA has been using enhanced document verification methods, including artificial intelligence tools, to screen passengers before embarkation. He emphasised that no one was cleared for travel through political influence or VIP pressure and that about 180 FIA officials involved in corruption have been dismissed as part of internal reforms.
The deportations and entry refusals come amid broader diplomatic and policy shifts. In November, the United Arab Emirates suspended regular visa issuance to Pakistani nationals, a move linked to rising concerns about some travellers becoming involved in criminal activities shortly after arrival. Pakistani authorities admitted that these concerns have influenced visa policies and have necessitated a rethink of pre-departure screening processes to protect both travellers and the country’s international reputation.
Officials have also highlighted the impact on religious travel. Saudi Arabia had previously warned Pakistan about a growing trend of pilgrims entering on Umrah visas and then engaging in begging, including near holy sites, with authorities concerned that such incidents were tarnishing the image of legitimate worshippers. This warning prompted Islamabad to step up monitoring and cooperation to curb visa misuse while maintaining opportunities for genuine pilgrims.
Beyond begging, the FIA continues to confront broader illegal migration and document fraud issues. Raja disclosed to the committee that hundreds of Pakistanis were deported for using fake documents, while tens of thousands were prevented from travelling due to irregularities in their papers. Lawmakers also heard about arrests of individuals attempting illegal border crossings and the presence of foreign nationals trying to transit through Pakistan to other destinations without proper authorisation.
The developments have prompted calls within Pakistan for stronger pre-departure verification systems, improved coordination with destination countries, and more robust support mechanisms for citizens abroad. Civil society groups and diaspora organisations have urged that action against illegal activities should be balanced with protection for legitimate workers, students, and pilgrims who contribute positively to host economies and maintain valuable ties between Pakistan and Gulf and other countries.
As the year ends, this crackdown and the associated diplomatic friction have placed a spotlight on the challenges facing millions of Pakistanis who travel abroad for work, education, and religious purposes, even as authorities strive to strengthen oversight and restore confidence in international mobility for their citizens.
