ISLAMABAD: More than 100 Shi’ite Muslims from villages in Pakistan’s Chakwal district have returned from the United Arab Emirates without their luggage or access to years of accumulated savings, Reuters has reported.
The deportees, many of whom worked in the UAE for over a decade, describe abrupt detentions followed by swift removal from the country. Reuters reviewed immigration documents, visa records, and flight details confirming 103 such cases from the area.
Pakistani Shi’ite leaders estimate thousands more have faced similar action since late February. A database compiled by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen lists 7,500 Pakistani Shi’ites deported from the UAE since February 28, when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran.
The returns have hit rural families in Punjab province particularly hard. Many deportees left behind frozen bank accounts and lost employment in sectors ranging from construction and security to metro operations and retail.
One 38-year-old former Dubai Metro manager, deported after 16 years, told reporters he returned to zero savings. “In just one day, everything was over,” another deportee named Hussain said.
Shi’ite community representatives allege profiling based on religious identity. Some returnees reported questioning about alleged links to Iran before deportation. Human Rights Watch has begun investigating the cases.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has described the deportations as administrative and visa-related matters. Officials maintain quiet diplomatic engagement with UAE authorities to address individual cases while preserving strong bilateral ties.
The UAE has not issued a detailed public statement on the specific numbers or reasons. Gulf states have historically hosted large numbers of Pakistani workers, with remittances forming a critical part of Pakistan’s economy.
**Background and Scale**
Pakistani workers have long formed a significant part of the UAE labour force. Official Pakistani data shows over one million Pakistanis employed in the UAE before recent tensions escalated. Remittances from the Gulf regularly exceed $3 billion annually.
The current wave coincides with heightened regional security concerns following military action against Iran. Shi’ite leaders in Pakistan, including Mohammad Amin Shaheedi of Ummat-e-Wahida Pakistan, claim up to 15,000 individuals from Shia families may have been affected across multiple estimates.
Deportees from Chakwal and other districts, including Kurram, report losing businesses, vehicles, and household items. Many arrived in Pakistan with only basic belongings.
**Impact on Families**
In Chakwal’s rural clusters, the returns have disrupted household economies. Families that relied on Gulf earnings for education, healthcare, and debt repayment now face immediate financial pressure. Local sources indicate several deportees held mid-level technical and supervisory positions.
Community organisations are documenting cases and assisting with rehabilitation. Some returnees have alleged arbitrary detention periods before deportation flights.
Pakistan’s Shi’ite population, estimated at around 35 million, has expressed concern over the developments. Religious and political groups have called for government intervention to safeguard workers’ rights and recover frozen assets.
**Strategic Implications**
The deportations highlight the vulnerability of Pakistani migrant labour to geopolitical shifts in the Gulf. With Pakistan maintaining balanced relations with both Sunni Gulf states and Iran, such incidents place additional strain on diplomatic management.
Economists note that sustained large-scale returns could affect remittance flows in coming quarters. Pakistan’s economy, already navigating inflation and external debt pressures, depends heavily on overseas Pakistanis.
Further talks between Pakistani and UAE officials are expected in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis is reportedly compiling detailed lists of affected workers to raise specific cases.
The situation remains fluid as more families continue to receive returning members. Questions persist regarding the full scope of asset recovery and future employment opportunities for the deportees.