Pakistan’s government on Friday dismissed reports claiming that the United Arab Emirates was carrying out targeted deportations of Pakistani nationals, calling the allegations “vicious propaganda” spread through social media by vested interests.
The clarification came after online reports and posts alleged that Pakistani workers had recently faced selective deportations from the Gulf state, raising concerns among overseas Pakistanis and their families.
In a statement posted on X, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said it had reviewed the available data and found the reports “mala fide.”
“No country or sect specific deportations from any country including UAE are being carried out,” the ministry said.
Officials stated that deportations from foreign countries, including the UAE, occur only under routine legal and immigration procedures linked to visa violations, overstays, illegal documentation or breaches of local laws.
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The ministry stressed that Pakistani nationals who meet visa and employment requirements continue to travel to and work in the UAE and other friendly countries “without prejudice.”
The statement described the social media reports as “fake news being peddled” and said the claims were “malicious and fabricated to serve ulterior motives.”
The report said that established diplomatic channels involving the Foreign Office and the relevant host country is individually handling any issue involving Pakistani citizens abroad.
Speculation intensified after debt repayment
The rumors gained wider attention after Pakistan repaid approximately $3.5 billion in debt obligations to the UAE last month, a move that increased pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves and triggered broader economic speculation online.
Social media users linked the repayment to claims of strained bilateral ties and alleged immigration restrictions targeting Pakistani workers. However, officials rejected any suggestion of political or economic retaliation by the UAE.
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The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic and strategic partners. Millions of Pakistanis live and work across the Emirates, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s annual remittance inflows.
According to recent data from the State Bank of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis in the UAE rank among the largest contributors of remittances to Pakistan’s economy.
The Gulf nation also hosts a substantial Pakistani labor force working in sectors including construction, transport, hospitality, retail and services.
Overseas employment remains critical for Pakistan
Pakistan has increasingly focused on overseas employment opportunities as the country seeks to stabilize its economy and improve foreign exchange inflows.
The government has repeatedly emphasized strengthening labor export agreements with Gulf countries, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where large Pakistani expatriate communities already exist.
In recent years, UAE authorities have tightened visa screening and documentation requirements for multiple nationalities as part of broader immigration and labor market reforms. Analysts say such regulatory measures are standard administrative practices rather than country-specific actions.
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Officials in Islamabad have also urged Pakistani workers traveling abroad to comply fully with immigration laws and employment regulations to avoid legal complications.
The Interior Ministry’s latest statement appeared aimed at calming concerns among overseas workers and countering misinformation circulating online regarding Pakistan-UAE relations.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries remain strong, with both governments continuing cooperation in trade, investment, energy and labor mobility.
