FIA Says Overseas Deportations of Pakistani Beggars Drop 75% After AI-Based Immigration Screening

Islamabad:Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) says stricter immigration controls and the introduction of an artificial intelligence-based passenger screening system have led to a **75% reduction** in the deportation of Pakistani nationals accused of begging abroad.

Senior FIA official **Dr. Athar Waheed** told *The News* that deportations linked to overseas begging had fallen by 75 percent, while deportations resulting from the use of fraudulent travel documents declined by **31%**.

He added that the overall deportation of Pakistani nationals from European countries decreased by **16%** in 2025 compared with 2024.

According to Dr. Waheed, a report by the **European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)** also showed a **47% decline** in illegal border crossings by Pakistani nationals into Europe during the first four months of 2026. He attributed the improvement to intelligence-led immigration checks and enhanced risk profiling at Pakistani airports.

The FIA said the progress followed the implementation of its upgraded **Integrated Border Management System (IBMS-II)**, which has been linked with databases of **NADRA**, **INTERPOL**, the **Immigration and Passport System (IMPASS)**, and the **Bureau of Immigration**. The agency has also established a **Risk Analysis Unit** and introduced an AI-powered passenger profiling system through its **e-IMMI pre-departure desk** to identify high-risk travelers before departure.

According to the FIA, these measures form part of a broader strategy to curb illegal migration, dismantle networks involved in the organized misuse of visas, strengthen enforcement of immigration laws, and improve Pakistan’s international reputation.

The agency’s claims are also supported by a broader decline in deportations from Gulf countries. According to **Arab News**, figures provided by FIA Additional Director General (Immigration) **Nauman Siddiqui** show that nearly **4,800** Pakistanis were deported from **Saudi Arabia** and other **Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)** member states for alleged begging in **2024**. The number dropped to around **1,100** in **2025** and further declined to **802** this year, which officials attribute to stricter action against the misuse of visit visas for begging.

Nauman Siddiqui said enforcement at Pakistani airports has also been significantly tightened. In **2024**, authorities offloaded **507** suspected beggars from outbound flights, compared with **597** in **2025**. During the first six months of the current year, only **27** individuals were stopped, indicating that stricter screening and legal action have discouraged the practice.

He added that the FIA has intensified legal action against those involved in such activities. Authorities registered **34 cases** against suspected beggars removed from flights in **2024**, increasing to **38 cases** in **2025**. Cases filed against deported beggars rose more sharply, from **50 FIRs** in **2024** to **239 FIRs** in **2025**, as investigators expanded efforts to dismantle networks facilitating overseas begging.