Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has announced stringent measures to address illegal migration, including cancelling the passports of individuals deported from other countries and registering legal cases against them. The decision, made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, aims to curb deportations, which Naqvi called a “stain on Pakistan’s global reputation.”
Deportees will also be added to a Passport Control List, barring them from obtaining new travel documents for five years. A committee led by the Interior Secretary will overhaul passport regulations to strengthen enforcement. Naqvi emphasised a “zero-tolerance” policy, stating that deportees will face strict consequences moving forward.
The meeting included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, the Federal Investigation Agency Director General (FIA), and the Director General of Passports. The committee’s formation signals a comprehensive review of passport issuance and migration policies.
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The National Assembly was informed that 5,402 Pakistani beggars have been deported from countries including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Malaysia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman since 2024. In 2024, 4,850 deportations occurred, with 4,498 from Saudi Arabia, 242 from Iraq, 55 from Malaysia, and 49 from the UAE. In 2025, 552 deportations were recorded, including 535 from Saudi Arabia and 9 from the UAE.
These measures reflect Pakistan’s commitment to addressing illegal migration and restoring its international standing. The government aims to deter future violations and enhance regulatory oversight by tightening passport controls and enforcing penalties.
