In a significant move to combat human smuggling and illegal migration, the government has imposed travel restrictions on more than 52,000 individuals to the US, UK, and the Middle East, including the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sources disclosed on Monday.
FIA sources said a total of 52,520 Pakistani nationals have been barred from travelling abroad due to concerns related to illegal migration, deportation, and criminal activities. The restrictions have been applied to individuals previously deported from the United States, European nations, and Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.
These individuals were found involved in various legal violations, prompting authorities to enforce stricter measures to prevent further human trafficking and illegal migration. To ensure compliance, the Directorate of Passport and Immigration has placed the passports of these individuals on the Passport Control List (PCL), effectively barring them from leaving the country.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also received an updated list of these restricted individuals and has been directed to enhance monitoring at all international airports and border crossings.
The list includes a large number of Pakistani nationals expelled from the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities. Authorities have particularly intensified their crackdown on human smuggling networks, following rising global concerns about illegal migration routes and organised trafficking operations.
According to deportation figures and banned categories, 4,210 beggars have been deported from Saudi Arabia, with 1,546 deportees placed under travel bans across different zones. As many as 331 beggars deported from various countries have also been restricted from international travel.
While, 46,433 individuals, who previously served sentences in UAE prisons, have been prohibited from travelling abroad due to security concerns.
This latest move signals the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal migration and its commitment to strengthening border security. Authorities have vowed to continue enforcing strict measures against those involved in human smuggling networks, ensuring that Pakistan aligns with international efforts to combat trafficking and unlawful migration.
