ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Ministry on Friday denied reports that Pakistani nationals were being specifically targeted for deportation from the United Arab Emirates, saying any removals were part of routine immigration enforcement under UAE law.

In an official statement, the ministry said reports circulating in some media outlets and on social media were false and intended to spread misinformation.

The ministry said no country-specific or sect-specific deportation campaign was underway in the UAE. It said deportations, where they occur, are linked to violations of local laws, visa overstays or irregular documentation.

Pakistani nationals who meet visa and employment requirements continue to travel to the UAE and obtain work visas without discrimination, the statement said.

The ministry stated that issues involving Pakistani citizens abroad are handled individually through diplomatic channels.

More than 1.8 million Pakistanis live in the UAE. Remittances from the Gulf country totaled about $7.1 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.

Pakistan and the UAE also maintain close political and economic ties. Official trade data for fiscal year 2024-25 showed bilateral trade exceeded $10.1 billion. Pakistan exported about $1.93 billion worth of goods to the UAE in 2025, according to official figures, including fuels, meat products, cereals and textiles.

The UAE also maintains a $2 billion deposit with State Bank of Pakistan, according to central bank data.

Pakistanis in UAE

Pakistan dismisses claims of 'targeted' deportations of citizens from UAE