Saudi Arabia, Not the US, Deported Most Indians in 2025
A Startling Migration Reality
In a revealing update shared by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha, more than 24,600 Indian nationals were deported from a total of 81 countries in 2025 — a figure that reflects the complex and often harsh realities faced by many Indians living or working abroad.
Saudi Arabia at the Top — A Surprising Shift
Contrary to common perceptions, the United States was not the leading country in deporting Indian citizens this year. Instead, Saudi Arabia emerged at the top , deporting over 11,000 Indians in 2025 — more than any other nation. ([The Times of India][1])
This unexpected statistic challenges long-standing assumptions that Western countries like the U.S. automatically lead in immigration enforcement involving Indians. While the U.S. remains a major destination for Indian migrants, the Gulf kingdom’s figure reflects both its large Indian workforce and strict enforcement of residency and labour rules.
United States Figures and Context
The United States deported around 3,800 Indian nationals in 2025 — significantly less than Saudi Arabia but still the highest annual figure from the U.S. in the last five years .
Most of these deportations involved Indians employed in the private sector, and authorities attributed the rise to more stringent checks on documentation, visa status, work authorisation, and overstays under current immigration enforcement practices. ([The Times of India][1])
Notably, the bulk of U.S. deportations occurred from Washington, D.C. (3,414) , followed by Houston (234) — illustrating geographic concentrations where Indian nationals face heightened scrutiny.
Other Countries with Notable Deportations
Beyond Saudi Arabia and the United States, several other countries recorded significant deportation numbers:
- Myanmar: ~1,591 Indians deported
- Malaysia: ~1,485
- United Arab Emirates: ~1,469
- Bahrain: ~764
- Thailand: ~481
- Cambodia: ~305
These numbers reflect the wide geographic spread of Indian nationals and the diverse reasons individuals may be removed from host countries. Why Are Deportations Happening?
According to the MEA data, visa overstays and residency violations were among the most common reasons for deportations, particularly in Gulf countries. Many Indian migrant workers take up jobs in construction, caregiving, domestic help, or other informal sectors — often facilitated by recruitment agents. In numerous cases, workers may lack proper documentation or find themselves unintentionally entangled in local immigration or labour law violations, which can lead to detention and eventual deportation.
Experts emphasise that lack of awareness about local legal requirements also plays a major role. Without clear understanding or guidance about visa timelines, work permits, and residency compliance, many Indians abroad find themselves vulnerable to immigration enforcement. ([The Times of India][1])
Student Deportations — A Different Pattern
Interestingly, the pattern of deportations for Indian students follows a different trend. According to the available data, the United Kingdom recorded the highest number of Indian student deportations , with 170 sent home in 2025 , followed by Australia, Russia, and the U.S. with smaller numbers in comparison.
These cases often revolve around issues like visa expirations, academic compliance, or documentation discrepancies — underscoring that even those pursuing education abroad are not immune to immigration enforcement actions.
Behind the statistics are real people — workers who left families behind, students chasing dreams, and individuals seeking better opportunities overseas. For many, the journey abroad involves sacrifice, hope, and hard work. But when jobs disappear, visas expire, or local laws are misunderstood, the dream can turn into a distressing experience of uprooting and forced return.
For migrant workers, especially those in lower-skilled sectors, the stakes are high. Many support extended families with remittances sent home, and a sudden deportation can disrupt lives and livelihoods. For students, being sent back prematurely can derail education plans, future careers, and personal aspirations. Each deportation number represents a story of struggle, resilience, and often heartbreak.
Looking Ahead — What Needs to Change?
The 2025 deportation figures bring to light an urgent need for greater awareness and preparation among prospective migrant workers and students. Government agencies, recruitment platforms, and community organisations must work together to:
- Educate workers and students about host country immigration laws
- Provide pre-departure orientation on legal rights and compliance
- Advocate for fair labour protections abroad
- Strengthen support networks for Indians overseas
By equipping individuals with better knowledge and resources before they leave India, the likelihood of falling foul of immigration laws — and facing the trauma of deportation — can be reduced.
A Shared Responsibility
The global Indian diaspora contributes significantly to the cultural and economic fabric of many countries. While migration offers opportunities, it also carries risks and responsibilities — both for individuals and the governments that support them. The 2025 deportation data serves as a reminder that migration policies, enforcement practices, and the welfare of migrant communities are interconnected issues requiring thoughtful attention and compassionate action.