In a significant enforcement of immigration and labour regulations, Saudi Arabia has repatriated 24,000 Pakistani nationals on charges of begging and engaging in unauthorised work. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates returned 6,000 Pakistanis, while Azerbaijan repatriated 2,500 citizens for comparable violations. According to consolidated statistics from multiple countries, a total of 51,000 Pakistani nationals were sent back to their homeland from abroad in 2025.
The details were disclosed by Aga Rafiqullah, Director-General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. At the session, the FIA DG provided comprehensive insights into the repatriation processes, offering a detailed account of how citizens were identified and the procedural steps taken to return them safely.
Speaking about the figures, the FIA chief emphasised that the bulk of repatriations were carried out by Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE and Azerbaijan. He further highlighted instances in which individuals attempted to use religious pilgrimages, such as Umrah, as a pretext to enter Europe. Investigations confirmed that many of these travellers intended to remain illegally in Europe, prompting their repatriation after due legal process.
FIA data also reveals the scale of overseas travel by Pakistanis this year: 8.5 million people travelled abroad, with 226 legal cases registered in connection to irregularities. Moreover, within just three months, 450 individuals were apprehended attempting to cross the Iranian border illegally. These figures underscore the prevalence of certain illegal or unauthorised activities among the Pakistani diaspora, necessitating vigilant monitoring and enforcement.
During the National Assembly committee meeting, members underscored the importance of raising awareness among Pakistani citizens about legal travel requirements and the proper use of visas. The FIA also issued stern warnings, stating that those engaging in begging, unauthorised employment, or attempts at illicit travel will face strict legal consequences. Such measures are being implemented not only to safeguard national security but also to ensure that legitimate overseas employment and migration channels are protected.
The repatriation drive, officials note, is part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of Pakistan’s migration policies, encourage responsible overseas conduct, and deter illegal activities abroad. Authorities continue to urge citizens to comply with immigration rules, pursue lawful work opportunities, and respect the regulations of host countries.
