Contrary to popular belief, the United States is not the country that has deported the most Indian nationals over the past five years. According to official data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha, Saudi Arabia has deported a significantly higher number of Indians between 2021 and 2025.
The data reveals a clear trend: Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of Indian deportations globally during this period. Figures from the Indian Mission in Riyadh show the following:
- 2021: 8,887 deportations
- 2022: 10,277 deportations
- 2023: 11,486 deportations
- 2024: 9,206 deportations
- 2025 (till date): 7,019 deportations
In comparison, the number of Indian nationals deported from the U.S. is considerably lower. MEA data from Indian Missions in the US indicates the following for Washington D.C.:
- 2021: 805
- 2022: 862
- 2023: 617
- 2024: 1,368
- 2025: 3,414
While the 2025 figure is the highest in the past five years for the U.S., it still pales in comparison to the numbers deported by Saudi Arabia.
The high deportation figures from Saudi Arabia are attributed to the strict enforcement of residency (Iqama) rules, labor reforms, and crackdowns on visa overstays. These enforcements are particularly heightened in the wake of Saudization policies and tighter labor market controls. According to officials, the Gulf region sees large-scale deportations due to individuals overstaying visas, working without permits, or violating residency norms.
In 2025 alone, Saudi Arabia deported over 11,000 Indians, while the United States deported around 3,800. Overall, more than 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries in 2025. Visa overstays are the primary reason for deportations across Gulf countries. Other countries with notable deportation figures include Myanmar (1,591), Malaysia (1,485), and the UAE (1,469).
It is also important to note the reasons behind these deportations. In Gulf countries, common violations include overstaying visas, working without valid permits, breaching labor rules, and involvement in civil or criminal cases. In Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, "cyber slavery" is a significant factor, where Indians are lured with promises of high salaries but are then forced to work in illegal cyber activities.
The data also reveals that the United Kingdom deported the highest number of Indian students in 2025, with 170 students sent back. Australia followed with 114 cases, Russia with 82, and the U.S. with 45.
Officials emphasize the importance of improving awareness among job seekers and tightening scrutiny of recruitment agents to reduce future deportations, especially in Gulf countries. They also suggest that workers should closely track their visa timelines and comply with local rules, with the option to apply for visa extensions when needed. The Indian government maintains that it gives utmost importance to the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and that Indian missions actively engage with host countries to facilitate rescue and repatriation where required.
