Over 24,600 Indians deported worldwide in 2025

More than 24,600 Indian nationals were deported from different countries across the world in 2025 after being found involved in immigration violations, fraud, and other civil and criminal cases, according to data presented by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha and reported by Gulf Times. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the figures highlight a sharp rise in deportations linked to fake job offers, bogus recruitment, and breaches of labour and visa laws.

Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations, with 10,884 Indian citizens expelled during the year, including 7,019 from Riyadh and 3,865 from Jeddah. 

The United States followed, sending back 3,812 Indian nationals in 2025. Malaysia deported 1,485 Indians, while the United Arab Emirates expelled 1,469, the highest figure recorded from the UAE in the past five years.

According to the media reports, a total of 3,979 Indian citizens were deported from the UAE between 2021 and 2025, including 899 in 2024, 666 in 2023, 587 in 2022, and 358 in 2021. 

Other countries reporting deportations included Bahrain with 764 cases, Thailand 481, the United Kingdom 203, Sri Lanka 372, Canada 188, Georgia 133, and Australia 34.

The ministry said the main reasons for deportations were overstaying visas, working without valid permits, and violations of labour laws. Fake job offers, fraudulent recruitment, absconding from employers, and involvement in civil or criminal cases also featured prominently among the causes.

In 2024, the UAE introduced a visa amnesty scheme to allow residents to regularise their status or leave the country without fines. The scheme began on September 1 and was initially set to end on October 31 before being extended to December 31, marking the country’s fourth such amnesty since 2007. A similar amnesty in 2018 was also extended beyond its original 90-day period.

Indian authorities noted that most host countries do not share detailed information on illegal stay and usually contact Indian missions only for deportation orders, travel documents, or nationality verification. 

Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor