Interior Ministry Denies Sect-Based Expulsion Claims in UAE

Interior Ministry Denies Sect-Based Expulsion Claims in UAE

Pakistan’s Interior Ministry on Friday rejected reports claiming that Pakistanis were being “targetedly deported” from the United Arab Emirates, saying there were no country- or sect-specific expulsions taking place.

The clarification came after social media posts and international media reports alleged that Pakistani workers, particularly Shia Muslims, were being detained and deported from the UAE in recent weeks.

In a statement shared on X, the ministry described such reports as “false, malicious and propaganda-driven,” adding that any deportations were routine actions linked to immigration violations, overstaying, or legal issues under UAE laws.

The ministry stressed that Pakistanis who meet visa and work requirements continue to travel and work in the UAE without discrimination.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi also said the repatriation cases were mostly related to administrative and legal matters, not political or sectarian reasons. He confirmed that Pakistan’s embassy and consulates remain in contact with UAE authorities and are assisting affected citizens through official channels.