Thousands of Pakistani nationals have been deported from different countries over allegations of begging, as startling revelations emerged during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Rights.
Briefing the committee, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) disclosed that 51,000 Pakistanis were offloaded from international travel this year alone. Saudi Arabia topped the list by deporting 24,000 Pakistani nationals for begging, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 6,000 and Azerbaijan with 2,500 deportations.
The FIA chief informed the committee that individuals attempting to travel to Europe under the pretext of performing Umrah were stopped with concrete evidence, as many were found carrying European travel documents. The committee was also told that 24,000 Pakistanis travelled to Cambodia this year, of whom 12,000 have yet to return, while out of 4,000 who travelled to Myanmar on tourist visas, 2,500 never came back.
According to the DG FIA, strict measures against illegal migration have significantly improved Pakistan’s passport ranking from 118 to 92. He noted that Pakistan previously ranked among the top five countries for illegal migration to Europe but has now exited the list due to improved enforcement policies.
He further revealed that while 8,000 Pakistanis illegally entered Europe last year, the number has dropped to 4,000 this year. Overall, Saudi Arabia alone has deported 56,000 Pakistani nationals on begging-related charges.
The committee was also informed that Dubai and Germany have granted visa-free access on Pakistani official passports. Additionally, an e-immigration application is set to be launched in mid-January, allowing travelers to complete immigration formalities 24 hours before departure.
In a surprising disclosure, the FIA chief said Pakistan’s ambassador in Zimbabwe reported that illegal routes to Europe are being used via Ethiopia and Zambia. He also revealed that a fake football club sent individuals to Japan under the guise of a team tour, including a physically disabled person.
