Saudi Arabia Tops List of Countries Deporting Indians in 2025, Not the United States

New Delhi: Nearly 24,600 Indian citizens were deported from 81 countries in 2025, and the largest number was not just from the US but from Saudi Arabia. The Government of India shared this information in the Rajya Sabha on the basis of foreign affairs data.

Data placed before the government shows that Saudi Arabia deported more than 11,000 Indians in the year 2025, which is the largest number of Indians deported from any country in the world. The United States deported about 3,800 Indian citizens, which is the highest in the last five years but much less than Saudi Arabia. 

What is the main reason behind deportation?

According to analysts, the main reasons behind these deportations have been visa overstays, illegal work, lack of valid permits and violation of local state rules. Especially in the Gulf countries, a large number of Indian workers live in construction, domestic service, caregiving and other low-skilled sectors. Many times, due to incomplete documents, lack of knowledge of visa rules, and wrong advice from agents, they fall into violation of local laws. 

Which countries deported Indians?

MEA data also reveals that not only Saudi Arabia and the US, but also Indian citizens from countries like Myanmar, the UAE, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bahrain have been sent back. For example, about 1,591 Indians were deported from Myanmar, 1,485 from Malaysia, and 1,469 from the UAE. The reasons for deportation from other countries including America, are also different. The number of people deported to America may be less than Saudi Arabia, but this number is the highest recorded in the last five years. Experts believe that deportations have also increased in America due to strict scrutiny of visa status, conditions related to work permits, and strictness on overstay rules. 

What things are important to keep in mind?

The government has stated that Indian missions are providing assistance to affected citizens through a 24×7 helpline, a complaint portal, and the MADAD network. The Ministry of External Affairs endeavors to provide legal advice, travel assistance, and necessary assistance to Indians in every deportation case.

Experts believe that it is very important for NRIs to have complete knowledge of the local laws and regulations before going abroad so that they can avoid deportation due to visa violations or other rules.