New Delhi, India | December 27, 2025
Saudi Arabia, not the United States, deported the highest number of Indian nationals in 2025, according to the latest data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha. The figures reveal that more than 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries worldwide during the year.
Among these, Saudi Arabia accounted for over 11,000 deportations in just 12 months, making it the top country sending Indians back. In comparison, the United States deported around 3,800 Indians in 2025—marking the highest deportation count from the US in the past five years.
MEA data shows that most deportations from the US involved private-sector employees, with the majority sent back from Washington DC (3,414 cases) and Houston (234 cases). Experts attribute the rise in US deportations to stricter enforcement under the Trump administration, including tighter scrutiny of visa status, work permits, documentation, and overstays.
Countries That Deported the Most Indians in 2025
After Saudi Arabia and the US, the countries with the highest number of Indian deportations included:
Myanmar: 1,591
Malaysia: 1,485
United Arab Emirates: 1,469
Bahrain: 764
Thailand: 481
Cambodia: 305
According to MEA officials, deportations from Gulf countries were largely due to visa overstays, working without valid permits, violations of labor laws, absconding from employers, and involvement in criminal cases.
Why Gulf Deportations Are High
Bhima Reddy, Vice Chairman of Telangana’s NRI Advisory Committee, said large numbers of Indians migrate to Gulf nations for employment, particularly in construction, domestic work, caregiving, and other low-skilled sectors. Many travel through agents, and in some cases, attempts to earn more money lead them into minor legal violations or criminal activity.
He added that lack of awareness about local laws often proves costly. Unscrupulous agents sometimes mislead workers, resulting in visa fraud or illegal employment, eventually leading to arrests and deportation.
Cybercrime Behind Myanmar, Cambodia Deportations
Reddy noted that deportations from Myanmar and Cambodia follow a different pattern. These countries have emerged as hubs of organized cybercrime, where Indians are lured with promises of high-paying jobs and later forced into illegal online activities. Many are arrested during crackdowns and subsequently deported.
Naga Bharani of the Telangana Overseas Manpower Company emphasized the need for pre-departure awareness programs, urging workers to track visa validity and comply with local regulations. She noted that visa extensions are often available if applied for on time.
Indian Students Also Deported
The data also highlighted student deportations. In 2025, the United Kingdom deported the highest number of Indian students (170), followed by Australia (114), Russia (82), and the United States (45).
