The Malian authorities have rejected the entry of a group of Pakistani immigrants who had been deported from Mauritania, citing insufficient evidence to confirm their original arrival in Mauritania from Mali.
This decision came after Mauritanian police transported the migrants to the capital, Nouakchott, for their eventual repatriation to Pakistan by air.
In an official statement, Mauritanian police assured that the migrants would receive medical and nutritional care in accordance with international humanitarian law during their transit.
They emphasized that all necessary support would be provided to ensure the welfare of the individuals involved in the process.
The Pakistani Consulate in Nouakchott has been in constant contact with the migrants’ families back in Pakistan, confirming that the families have agreed to cover the costs of their return journey.
The consulate is coordinating the repatriation efforts to ensure a smooth return for the deported individuals.
Globally, the Pakistani immigrant population is estimated at approximately 13.53 million, according to the latest economic report on Pakistan for the 2023-2024 period.
This places Pakistan as the seventh-largest source country for emigrants, with its citizens spread across more than 50 countries.
A significant portion of this diaspora resides in Gulf countries, where around 4.7 million Pakistanis live, while Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, is home to an estimated 2.4 million Pakistanis.
Despite the challenges faced by these migrants, the situation highlights the complexities of immigration policies and the impact of regional cooperation on managing migration flows.
The decision by both Mauritania and Mali underscores the delicate balance of national security concerns and humanitarian obligations in handling displaced populations.
