Govt rejects reports of targeted deportations of Pakistanis from UAE

ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday rejected reports of targeted deportations of Pakistani nationals from the United Arab Emirates, terming them “vicious propaganda” spread by vested interests.

The clarification came from the interior ministry after reports circulated on social media alleging that Pakistani workers had been specifically targeted for deportation from the Gulf country in recent weeks.

The speculation gained momentum following Pakistan’s repayment of $3.5 billion in debt to the UAE last month, which reportedly increased pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

In a statement posted on X, the interior ministry said it had reviewed the details and data and found the reporting to be “mala fide”.

“No country or sect-specific deportations from any country including UAE are being carried out,” the ministry said.

It clarified that deportations, where applicable, were part of routine procedures under the host country’s laws and regulations, including violations related to overstays, illegal documentation or other legal issues.

The ministry added that Pakistani nationals who fulfil visa and employment requirements continue to travel to and obtain work visas for the UAE and other friendly countries without discrimination.

It further said that the “fake news being peddled” regarding alleged deportations was malicious and fabricated to serve ulterior motives.

According to the ministry, any matter involving Pakistani citizens abroad is handled on a case-by-case basis through established diplomatic channels involving the Foreign Office and the relevant country.

Separately, the Foreign Office had also rejected reports related to the repayment of UAE debt, calling them “misleading and unfounded”.

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In a statement issued last month, the Foreign Office said the UAE deposits placed with the State Bank of Pakistan were made under bilateral commercial agreements and reflected the Gulf country’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic stability.

The FO clarified that the repayment of matured deposits by the government through the SBP was a routine financial transaction carried out under mutually agreed terms.

“This is a routine financial transaction, and any attempt to portray it otherwise is erroneous and misleading,” the statement added.