Recent reports have surfaced regarding the alleged rounding up and deportation of Pakistani nationals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), causing concern and prompting official responses. While details remain unverified, Pakistan’s interior ministry has firmly denied accusations of targeted expulsions based on nationality or sect.
Targeted deportation of Pakistani nationals from UAE denied by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, saying any removals were part of routine immigration enforcement under UAE law.
(File photo) pic.twitter.com/6kU1DTRBs6
— Pakistan TV Digital (@PakistanTVcom) May 8, 2026
The ministry addressed “speculative reporting” circulating in the media, particularly on social media, emphasizing the strong relationship between Pakistan and the UAE. Previously, a Foreign Office spokesperson attributed the increase in emergency exit documents issued by the Pakistani mission in the UAE to “administrative actions, including immigration status violation and other legal infractions.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed solidarity with the UAE, condemning the missile and drone attack, purportedly carried out by Iran, on its soil.
These developments occur against a backdrop of evolving dynamics in the Middle East, including the UAE’s signing of the Abraham Accords with Israel and rising tensions between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
While the exact nature and extent of any deportations remain unclear, there are concerns about the potential impact on Pakistani expatriates in the UAE. A recent investigation by New Lines Magazine cited instances of arbitrary detentions and limited access to communication for those affected.
With approximately 1.9 million Pakistanis residing in the UAE, their remittances contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. Any large-scale shift in the UAE’s approach to Pakistani workers could have significant consequences for both individuals and the Pakistani economy.
Moreover, potential restrictions on residency permits and financial access could also affect Pakistani elites who frequent Dubai for business and leisure.
In light of these developments, the Pakistani government is committed to ensuring that ordinary expatriate workers are protected from being unfairly targeted or affected by geopolitical events beyond their control. The government is actively working to safeguard the interests and well-being of its citizens abroad during this period of uncertainty.
You May Like To Read: USCIRF to Designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern”
Check out our latest video:
