ISLAMABAD: A total of 21,951 Pakistani nationals have been deported from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as of March 1, the National Assembly was informed. Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest number of deportations among these states.
Data presented in a written response during the National Assembly’s Question Hour on Thursday revealed that out of the total deported Pakistanis, 15,495 were from Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates followed with 3,802 deportations, while Oman and Bahrain each accounted for 521. Qatar saw 429 deportations, and Kuwait reported 97 cases.
The deportations were primarily due to violations such as breaches of iqama and visa regulations, illegal residency, drug-related offenses, absconding, and other immigration law infractions. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that these figures only include Pakistanis who were formally detained and deported after Pakistani missions issued emergency travel documents. Those who returned voluntarily or with valid passports were not counted in this total.
In a related response, Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Aun Chaudhry disclosed that 799 Pakistani nationals had died abroad over the past two years. Financial assistance amounting to Rs1.3 billion has been provided to 3,498 families of deceased or disabled overseas Pakistanis. Additionally, Rs753.29 million was disbursed to 294 families to cover pending dues from host countries, including through Pakistani missions in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Chaudhry also explained that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) continues to facilitate the transportation of deceased Pakistanis’ bodies from countries where it operates. In locations without PIA service, arrangements are made via the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and other relevant authorities to ensure repatriation. Bodies are also transported through other airlines and organizations, with PIA historically providing this service free of charge.
Addressing further queries, the minister noted that Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) are stationed in Gulf countries and Europe to support Pakistani workers and resolve their issues. In cases involving imprisonment or fines, a committee is responsible for arranging payment of fines on behalf of the workers.
Responding to a question from Aliya Kamran, Chaudhry stated that the government has increased pension-related benefits for overseas Pakistani workers, with annual reviews leading to increments between 13% and 15%. Furthermore, special courts dedicated to protecting overseas Pakistanis’ properties and expediting dispute resolution are fully operational in Islamabad and all 36 districts of Punjab. The minister urged Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to accelerate legislation to establish similar courts in their jurisdictions.
