HYDERABAD: More than 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries in 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tabled in Rajya Sabha. Contrary to popular perception, Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations—over 11,000 during the year.
By comparison, about 3,800 Indians were deported from the United States in 2025, largely private-sector employees. While lower than Saudi Arabia’s tally, this figure represents the highest number of deportations from the US in the past five years. Experts attribute the rise to tighter enforcement and heightened scrutiny of documentation, visa status, work authorisation and overstays under the Donald Trump administration.
Other countries with notable deportation figures include Myanmar (1,591), Malaysia (1,485), the UAE (1,469), Bahrain (764), Thailand (481) and Cambodia (305). MEA data show that common reasons for deportations—particularly from Gulf nations—include visa or residency overstays, working without valid permits, labour law violations, absconding from employers, and involvement in civil or criminal cases.
“This trend is typical of Gulf countries that attract large numbers of Indian migrant workers—construction labourers, caregivers and domestic help—many of whom are low-skilled and migrate through agents,” said Bheema Reddy, vice-chairman of the Telangana government’s NRI advisory committee. “In attempts to earn extra income, some get caught in minor offences, while lack of awareness of local laws often proves costly.”
In several instances, workers fall victim to fraudulent agents in India and are deported after being apprehended abroad. Deportations from Myanmar and Cambodia, however, follow a different pattern. “Many cases are linked to cyber slavery,” Reddy said, noting that these countries have become hubs for a multi-billion-dollar cybercrime industry where Indians are lured by promises of high-paying jobs, coerced into illegal work, detained and eventually deported.
Stressing prevention, Naga Bharani of the Telangana Overseas Manpower Company said workers must be briefed on rules before travelling. “They should closely track visa timelines and comply with local regulations. Applying for extensions is always an option,” she said.
Among students, deportations were highest from the UK (170) in 2025, followed by Australia (114), Russia (82) and the US (45).
