23 Pakistani nationals detained after boat lands at Grand Faw Port

BASRA — Iraqi intelligence forces detained 23 Pakistani nationals on Thursday after an unidentified boat put them ashore at the western breakwater of the Grand Faw Port, a security source told 964media.

Intelligence led authorities to the group immediately after they came off the boat, the source said. All 23 were taken to Faw police station for questioning about how they entered the country. The source gave no information about the boat, where it had come from or how the crossing was arranged.

In February, police in Diyala intercepted a tanker truck carrying 42 people hidden inside, also identified as Pakistani nationals, in what police described as an organised smuggling attempt.

The Labour Ministry said in November that Iraq had deported more than 20,000 foreign workers without permits in 2024 and more than 14,000 in 2025. Employers are required to keep a workforce that is 80% Iraqi. The Interior Ministry said it detained 3,911 foreign workers for residency violations in January.