The Ministry of Interior on Friday dismissed reports regarding alleged targeted deportations of Pakistani nationals from the United Arab Emirates, describing such claims as “malafide” and part of a “vicious propaganda” campaign.

The issue first surfaced last month when some social media accounts claimed that around 1,200 Pakistanis had been deported from the UAE over visa-related issues and alleged legal violations in the aftermath of the regional crisis that erupted after the US-Iran war. A report published by The New York Times earlier today claimed that the UAE had initiated a large-scale expulsion of Pakistani workers.

The report said it interviewed 20 Pakistani Shias, including eight businessmen based in the Emirates, who alleged that their Pakistani employees had been deported in recent weeks. According to the report, the deportations came amid “perceived Emirati displeasure over Pakistan’s response to Iranian strikes” on the Gulf state while Islamabad was attempting to broker a peace agreement between the US and Iran. 

In a statement issued today, the interior ministry said it had reviewed the relevant details and data and found the reports to be fabricated and misleading.

“No country or sect-specific deportations from any country, including the UAE, are being carried out,” the statement said.

The ministry clarified that deportations, where they occurred, were part of a routine process undertaken in accordance with the host country’s regulations and legal system, including cases involving violations of laws, overstaying or illegal documentation.

It further stated that Pakistani nationals who fulfilled the visa and work-related requirements of host countries continued to travel to and obtain employment visas for the UAE and other friendly countries “without prejudice”.

The ministry said the “fake news” and social media posts suggesting otherwise were “malicious and fabricated” and aimed at serving “ulterior motives”.

It added that any matter involving a Pakistani national abroad is addressed on a case-by-case basis with the relevant country through established Foreign Office (FO) channels.

Meanwhile, when asked about the issue during the weekly press briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson said he was not aware of the development.

Pressed again on the matter, he had said that Pakistan’s missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were actively managing individual consular cases brought to their attention by community members or by applicants directly.

He said the deportations were related to immigration status violations, legal infractions and repatriation.

“I do not see any political reason for their deportation. These are primarily legal cases, which are being taken care of, both by our diplomatic missions in UAE as well as by the UAE authorities,” the FO spokesperson had said.