Saudi Arabia Deports Thousands of Pakistani Nationals
Saudi Arabia has deported around 24,000 Pakistani nationals in recent months amid concerns over begging and misuse of visas, officials in Pakistan have confirmed. The deportations followed warnings issued to Islamabad about Pakistani citizens allegedly entering the Kingdom and other countries under the guise of legitimate travel before engaging in unauthorised activities.
Reasons Cited by Authorities
Pakistani officials said Saudi authorities flagged organised begging as a major issue, with individuals reportedly misusing tourist, work and pilgrimage visas. Saudi Arabia has tightened enforcement against such practices as part of broader efforts to regulate migration and ensure compliance with local laws. The action has made Saudi Arabia the largest source of deportations of Pakistani nationals on these grounds during the current period.
Wider Pattern of Deportations
In addition to Saudi Arabia, other countries have also deported Pakistani citizens over similar allegations. Authorities said nations including the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan have offloaded or returned Pakistanis for violating visa conditions. These cases have raised concerns about the international image of Pakistani travellers and increased scrutiny at foreign immigration checkpoints.
Pakistan’s Response
The Pakistani government has acknowledged the issue and said steps are being taken to curb organised begging and illegal migration. Agencies such as the Federal Investigation Agency have intensified checks at airports and departure points, while also targeting networks that facilitate misuse of travel documents. Officials said the aim is to protect genuine travellers and prevent further diplomatic complications.
