Islamabad, 4 June 2025: Asylum Abroad continues to rise as tens of thousands of Pakistani citizens pursue political refuge in Europe and North America, according to new figures shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis.
During a recent briefing led by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, officials disclosed that an estimated 135,000 Pakistanis have sought asylum abroad over the past two years. Of these, 125,000 applied in European nations, while more than 10,000 submitted asylum requests in the United States.
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While asylum applications surge, deportations are also on the rise. Representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported that over 52,000 Pakistani nationals have been expelled from various countries since 2023, including 5,000 people accused of begging, particularly from Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia.
The Director General of Passports highlighted that 34,000 citizens were deported from Iran in the past year alone. Many had entered the country without valid documentation. In response, the Pakistani government has begun blocking the passports of deportees and is pursuing legal action against those with criminal charges.
The Interior Ministry has confirmed that individuals found guilty of fraud or illegal entry face serious legal penalties under existing Pakistani laws.
The committee was also informed that over 10.3 million skilled Pakistani professionals are currently employed across the globe. However, officials warned that opportunities may be shrinking.
Saudi Arabia long a key destination for Pakistani labor has recently introduced tighter visa criteria and reduced quotas, impacting the flow of migrant workers from Pakistan.
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Meanwhile, Asylum Abroad remains a route of last resort for many facing limited job prospects, political uncertainty, or unsafe conditions. The trend reflects a broader shift in migration patterns, with more Pakistanis now opting for legal refuge in the West rather than traditional labor migration paths.
As discussions around migration intensify, lawmakers are urging a more coordinated response to the growing number of asylum seekers and deportees.
With Asylum Abroad now a pressing topic in policy circles, questions are being raised about what more can be done to address the root causes driving Pakistanis to seek refuge overseas.
