Visa violations: UAE and other Gulf countries deport over 20,000 people
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- More than 21,000 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf countries between March and July 2026, Parliament heard
- The deportations covered offences ranging from overstaying and begging to forged documents and visa violations
- Saudi Arabia and the UAE recorded the highest number of deportations, with hundreds jailed and blacklisted
More than 21,000 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf countries between March and July 2026, according to information shared with Pakistan's National Assembly during a Question Hour session on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The significant number of deportations highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani workers in the region.
Reasons for deportations detailed
Thousands of Pakistanis seek employment in the UAE due to strong job opportunities and high remittances, which reached a record KSh 600 billion (USD 4.2 billion) in May.
As reported on Saturday, August 221, by Khaleej Times, a written response tabled before the assembly showed that 21,951 Pakistani nationals were sent back from Gulf states between March 1 and July 13, 2026.
The response was prepared following a query raised by Member of the National Assembly Hameed Hussain.
The causes for these deportations were varied.
A considerable portion involved absconders; 4,628 were deported under this classification, with an additional 1,294 incarcerated on related charges and 968 blacklisted.
Other contributing factors included lost passports (1,155), visa violations (689), and instances of refused entry (342).
Issues such as overstaying, begging, and fraudulent documentation were also noted as reasons for deportation.
Notably, nine Pakistanis were sent back from the United Araba Emirates through an Interpol process.
Saudi Arabia and UAE lead in deportations
The data indicated that Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations, returning 3,921 absconders and 1,924 individuals for visa-related offences.
The UAE followed, deporting 636 absconders and an additional 347 for similar violations. Oman reported 295 deportations.
These numbers, now part of the parliamentary record, reflect the realities of Pakistani migration to the Gulf and underscore the legal challenges that can occur when workers veer off course in compliance with local regulations.
UAE sets minimum salary for workers
Meanwhile, TUKO.co.ke recently reported that the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization classified workers into nine professional levels based on international occupational standards.
The ministry published the recognised job categories, ranging from legislators and executives to workers in simple professions.
A minimum monthly salary figure applies to all workers covered under the nine professional classification levels in the UAE.
Source: Legit.ng
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.