24,600 Indians deported over visa violations, Saudi Arabia tops the list

24,600 Indians deported over visa violations, Saudi Arabia tops the list

Over 24,600 Indians deported over visa violations from 81 countries. File photo

December, 31 2025

NEW DELHI: More than 24,600 Indian nationals were deported from 81 countries in the last five years, highlighting rising challenges faced by Indians abroad.

The Indian nationals were deported due to visa violations, illegal employment, and stricter immigration enforcement.

Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations, far ahead of the United States, Canada, and other countries with large Indian migrant populations.

Country-Wise Figures

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), deportations involved migrant workers, tourists, and students across the Middle East, North America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Key numbers include:

Saudi Arabia: Over Rs11,000 Indians deported

United States: Around Rs3,800 deported

Myanmar: Nearly Rs1,600 deported

Malaysia: About Rs1,400–1,500 deported

United Arab Emirates: Around Rs1,469 deported

Bahrain: Approximately Rs764 deported

Sri Lanka: About Rs372 deported

Thailand: Around Rs481 deported

Cambodia: About Rs305 deported

Canada: Rs188 deported

United Kingdom: Rs170 deported

Australia: Rs114 deported

Russia: Rs82 deported

Georgia: Rs133 deported

The remaining deportations were from dozens of other countries, totaling 81 nations.

Reasons Behind Deportations

Visa overstay is the most common reason for deportation worldwide. In Gulf countries, many Indians were removed due to expired residency permits (iqama issues), working without valid visas, or violating labour laws. In the United States, deportations mostly occurred due to unlawful presence, visa breaches, and overstaying permits.

In Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Cambodia, deportations were often linked to illegal employment or cybercrime operations, where Indians were allegedly lured by fake job offers. Student deportations from the UK, Australia, and Russia mainly involved violating visa rules, such as non-compliance with attendance, unauthorized work, or overstaying after courses.

Government Response

The MEA stated that many countries do not routinely share deportation data. Indian embassies assist citizens during deportation and regularly issue advisories against fraudulent recruiters, fake job offers, and illegal migration routes.

The Bigger Picture

Officials stressed that Indians must follow local immigration laws and visa conditions strictly. Even minor violations can lead to swift deportation and long-term entry bans. Authorities urge verifying overseas job offers through authorized channels and staying cautious of illegal migration promises.

The rising deportations show the need for awareness among Indians traveling or working abroad. Strict enforcement abroad means minor violations can lead to serious consequences. Citizens are advised to verify jobs, follow visa rules, and avoid illegal migration.