In a wave of deportations, 258 Pakistanis were sent back to their homeland from seven countries within 24 hours. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China topped the list of nations involved in the deportations.
Deportations from Saudi Arabia and UAE
A total of 232 deportees were expelled from Saudi Arabia. This included nine professional beggars, four overstayers on Umrah visas, and two individuals who performed Hajj without permits. These two individuals were sent back after serving their sentences.
From the UAE, 21 Pakistanis were deported. This included seven beggars and four individuals implicated in drug smuggling. Authorities reported that 27 deportees from Saudi Arabia were caught working without sponsors, while 112 were deported following complaints by their sponsors.
Smaller Numbers from Other Countries
Pakistanis were also deported from China, Qatar, Indonesia, Cyprus, and Nigeria. Each of these countries deported one individual.
Emergency Travel Documents Used
According to the immigration authorities, 244 of the deportees returned using emergency travel documents issued by Pakistani missions abroad. Only 14 deportees held valid Pakistani passports.
Arrests at Karachi Airport
Sixteen deportees were arrested upon arrival in Karachi. Immigration officials confirmed that these arrests were due to various legal violations. Among them, one individual’s identity remains under investigation.
Passenger Offloading at Karachi Airport
In a related incident, Karachi airport authorities offloaded 35 passengers within 24 hours. Most of these individuals were traveling to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas. They were stopped due to a lack of advance hotel bookings and insufficient funds.
Other passengers were offloaded for incomplete documentation. This included three travelers with work visas and four with personal visit visas. A woman traveling on a visit visa to Saudi Arabia was also denied boarding due to improper documentation.
Authorities Stress Proper Documentation
Immigration officials emphasized the importance of proper travel documents and sufficient funds. Travelers without these essentials face severe challenges, including deportation and offloading.
Rising Trend of Deportations
The trend of deportations has risen significantly in recent months. Authorities urge Pakistani citizens to ensure compliance with visa regulations and avoid illegal activities abroad.
Key Takeaways
The incidents highlight the consequences of inadequate planning and non-compliance with foreign travel laws. Stricter measures are needed to protect Pakistanis from exploitation and legal troubles abroad.
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