Muscat: Government officials informed the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development that the passport cancellation process for 7,873 Pakistani deportees is already underway. According to the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), a majority—over 5,600 individuals—were expelled from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar between 2019 and 2025, largely for their role in structured beggary rings.

These individuals have been placed on the Passport Control List (PCL), which bars the issuance or renewal of their travel documents, according to a report by Dawn News.

The committee session, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, was convened at Parliament House to address the growing concern over illicit activities committed by Pakistani nationals abroad and the reputational damage they bring to the country.

It was revealed that 1,460 deportees had traveled abroad via 691 licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs). The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has issued show-cause notices to the implicated promoters and recommended criminal action against those found complicit.

The committee has also demanded a full list of OEPs responsible for facilitating the travel of individuals later deported for criminal activities. Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro expressed alarm at the harm these acts cause to Pakistan’s global standing, while Senator Shahadat Awan raised questions about the legality of revoking passports for offenses committed beyond the country’s borders.

Mustafa Jamal Kazi, Director General of Passport and Immigration, highlighted another concern: the growing trend of Pakistani pilgrims overstaying visas in countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. In 2024 alone, nearly 34,000 deportations from Iran and 50,000 from Iraq were recorded.

He also noted a surge in asylum applications, with 125,000 Pakistanis seeking refuge in Europe last year—often citing economic challenges and instability as reasons.