Islamabad: At least 21,951 Pakistanis were deported from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by March 1, the National Assembly was informed on Thursday.
According to data presented during Question Hour, Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share, with 15,495 Pakistani nationals deported. The United Arab Emirates deported 3,802, while Oman and Bahrain each accounted for 521 deportations. Qatar deported 429 Pakistanis and Kuwait 97.
Officials said the reasons included violations of visa and residency regulations, illegal stay, drug-related offences, absconding and other breaches of immigration laws.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that the figures covered Pakistanis who were formally detained by authorities and deported after Pakistani missions issued emergency travel documents.
He added that Pakistanis who returned voluntarily or travelled back on valid passports were not included in the figures.
The National Assembly was also informed that 799 Pakistani nationals died abroad during the past two years, while Rs1.3 billion was provided as financial assistance to 3,498 families of deceased or disabled overseas Pakistanis.
The government said Community Welfare Attachés deployed in Gulf and European countries continue to assist Pakistani workers and address issues involving detention, fines and other difficulties.
