From Beggars to Drug Offenders: 258 Pakistanis Deported from Seven Nations in 24 Hours

In the past 24 hours, 258 Pakistani nationals, ranging from beggars to drug offenders, have been deported from seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and China.

The deportees, sent back for various reasons such as overstaying visas, illegal work, and criminal activities, arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Among them, 16 individuals were arrested for legal violations, while the rest were released after questioning.

A total of 232 individuals were deported from Saudi Arabia, including seven beggars, for reasons such as performing Hajj without permits, overstaying Umrah visas, working without sponsorship (kafeel), visa expiration, complaints from sponsors, and other charges.

From the UAE, 21 people were deported, with four linked to drug trafficking.

Additionally, one individual each was deported from China, Qatar, Indonesia, Cyprus, and Nigeria.

Of the 258 deportees, 244 returned on emergency travel documents, while 14 held valid Pakistani passports. Upon arrival, authorities arrested 16 individuals, including one with a suspicious identity, and released the others after interrogation.

Additionally, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Immigration Cell offloaded 35 passengers at Karachi airport due to incomplete documentation, lack of advance hotel bookings, insufficient funds, or improper visas. These passengers were bound for various countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Oman.

Pakistani authorities have urged travellers to ensure proper documentation and funds to avoid such humiliating situations