More than 24,600 Indian nationals were deported from various countries around the world during 2025, according to figures presented by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in the upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha.
The data was reported by Gulf Times.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations, with a total of 10,884 Indian citizens sent back. Of these, 7,019 were deported from Riyadh and 3,865 from Jeddah.
The United States ranked second, deporting 3,812 Indian nationals in 2025. The United Arab Emirates deported 1,469 Indian citizens during the year, described as the highest figure recorded over the past five years.
The data shows that between 2021 and 2025, a total of 3,979 Indian nationals were deported from the UAE. This included 899 in 2024, 666 in 2023, 587 in 2022 and 358 in 2021.
The report stated that the main reasons for deportation included overstaying visas, working without valid permits and violations of labour laws.
Other factors included fake job offers, fraudulent recruitment, absconding from employers, and involvement in civil or criminal cases.
In 2024, the UAE introduced a visa amnesty scheme aimed at allowing individuals with irregular residency status to regularise their stay or leave the country without penalties.
The scheme began on 1 September 2024, was initially set to end on 31 October, and was later extended until 31 December 2024. According to the report, this was the UAE’s fourth amnesty scheme since 2007.
Deportations of Indian nationals were also reported from other countries, including Malaysia (1,485), Bahrain (764), Sri Lanka (372), Thailand (481) and the United Kingdom (203).
In addition, 188 Indians were deported from Canada, 133 from Georgia and 34 from Australia in 2025.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that most countries do not provide detailed information on illegal stays and generally contact Indian missions only for deportation orders, travel documents or verification of nationality.
The ministry added that Indian missions abroad regularly issue advisories warning citizens against fake recruitment and fraudulent job networks to encourage greater caution among prospective migrants.
