Pakistan denies reports of targeted deportations from UAE

Pakistan’s Interior Ministry on Friday denied reports of specifically targeting its citizens for deportation from the United Arab Emirates, describing the allegations as “malicious propaganda” of vested interests. The clarification from the interior ministry came after social media posts alleged that Pakistani workers had recently faced targeted expulsions from the Gulf state. The rumours appeared to gain momentum following Pakistan’s repayment of $3.5 billion in debt to the UAE last month, a development that added pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. In a statement shared on X, the ministry said it had reviewed all relevant data and concluded that the reports were “mala fide”. It stressed that no country-specific or sect-based deportation campaign was underway in the UAE or any other country. Ministry of Interior has taken notice of speculative reporting in sections of media especially social media about targeted deportations of Pakistani nationals from brotherly Islamic country of UAE. — Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 8, 2026 According to the ministry, deportations that do occur are part of routine legal procedures linked to violations of local laws, visa overstays, or issues related to documentation. The statement further noted that Pakistani citizens who meet visa and employment requirements continue to travel to and obtain work permits for the UAE and other friendly nations without discrimination. The ministry also termed the social media claims “fabricated and misleading”, accusing those spreading the reports of pursuing hidden agendas. It added that any matters involving overseas Pakistanis are handled individually through established diplomatic channels and coordination with the Foreign Office. Pakistan rejects LNG spot bids for May amid Qatar supply hopes