By Satinder Bains
NEW DELHI: More than 24, 600 Indian nationals were deported from 81 countries over the last five years, the government informed the Rajya Sabha, highlighting growing challenges faced by Indians abroad due to visa violations, illegal employment and stricter immigration enforcement across several countries.
Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations, far ahead of the United States, Canada and other destinations with large Indian migrant populations. The number of deported Indians could be high as many countries were not sharing data with the Indian Government, MEA officials said.
According to data tabled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), deportations took place across regions including the Middle East, North America, Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. The figures include migrant workers, tourists and students.
Country-wise deportation figures:
Saudi Arabia: Over 11, 000 Indians deported, the highest among all countries.
United States: Around 3, 800 Indians deported.
Myanmar: Nearly 1, 600 Indians sent back.
Malaysia: About 1, 400–1, 500 deportations.
United Arab Emirates: Around 1, 469 Indians deported.
Bahrain: Approximately 764 deportations.
Sri Lanka: About 372 Indians deported.
Thailand: Around 481 deportations.
Cambodia: About 305 Indians deported.
Canada: 188 Indians deported.
United Kingdom: 170 Indian students deported.
Australia: 114 Indian students deported.
Russia: 82 Indian students deported.
Georgia: 133 Indians deported.
The remaining deportations were reported from dozens of other countries, taking the total to 81 nations.
Why Indians are being deported
The government said visa overstay remains the most common reason for deportation worldwide. In Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, large numbers of Indians were removed for expired residency permits (iqama issues), working without valid work visas, or violating labour laws.
In the United States, deportations were largely due to unlawful presence, breach of visa conditions and tighter immigration enforcement. Several Indians were found working in violation of the terms of their visas or overstaying after permits expired.
Countries in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Cambodia, reported deportations linked to illegal employment and, in some cases, cybercrime-related operations, where Indians were allegedly lured by fake job offers and later detained by local authorities.
A significant number of deportations from the UK, Australia and Russia involved students, primarily for violating visa norms, including non-compliance with attendance requirements, unauthorized work or overstaying after completion of courses.
Government response
The MEA clarified that many countries do not routinely share deportation data with Indian missions unless travel documents or nationality verification are required. Indian embassies and consulates provide assistance at the final stage of deportation and regularly issue advisories warning citizens against fraudulent recruiters, fake job offers and illegal migration routes.
The bigger picture
Officials say the data underscores the need for greater awareness among Indians travelling or working abroad about local immigration laws. With countries tightening visa rules and increasing enforcement, even minor violations are leading to swift deportation.
The government has urged Indian nationals to adhere strictly to visa conditions, verify overseas employment offers through authorised channels and remain cautious of agents promising quick jobs or residency abroad, warning that violations not only lead to deportation but can also result in long-term entry bans in several countries.