Thousands of Pakistani Shia Muslims have reportedly been expelled from the United Arab Emirates and sent back home. This mass expulsion occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent US-Israeli military operations. Affected individuals have alleged that they were not only stripped of their jobs but also denied access to their personal savings and belongings before being deported.Hundreds of those expelled have returned to Pakistan in recent days.
According to a report by Reuters, the political organization Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen has compiled a list suggesting that approximately 7,500 Pakistanis have been expelled since February 28. A spokesperson for the group, Mohsin Abidi, claimed that the actual figure could be significantly higher. Many victims reported being subjected to sudden detention and interrogation by UAE authorities before facing summary deportation.
While the expulsions appear to have surged following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the UAE Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on the basis for these actions. The Pakistani Interior Ministry issued a statement claiming that the expulsions were not religiously motivated, asserting that the individuals were deported solely for alleged violations of UAE domestic law.
The development poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s already fragile economy. With approximately 1.8 million Pakistanis currently living and working in the UAE, their remittances—totaling over $6 billion annually—are a critical pillar of the nation`s financial stability. A large-scale deportation campaign could severely disrupt this vital inflow of foreign currency.
The Pakistani government is reportedly reviewing the matter internally, though no formal diplomatic protest has been made public. For now, the future of these migrant workers and the broader implications for Pakistan-UAE relations remain uncertain as the region continues to navigate these complex geopolitical shifts.
