In a surprising revelation, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the country that deported the highest number of Indian nationals over the past five years, surpassing even the United States, which has historically attracted attention for its stringent immigration policies. According to official data provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the kingdom deported more Indians than any other country during this period, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Indian expatriates in the Gulf region.

Official Data on Deportations

The MEA’s reply, submitted by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on December 18, detailed deportations of Indian nationals from Saudi Arabia and the United States between 2021 and 2025. The figures were sourced from the Indian missions in Riyadh and Washington DC, including the Consulate General offices in Jeddah and other US cities.

According to the data, Saudi Arabia deported a total of 7,019 Indian nationals in 2025 alone. When combined with previous years, the trend indicates a significant and consistent number of deportations:

• 2021: 8,887 deportations
• 2022: 10,277 deportations
• 2023: 11,486 deportations
• 2024: 9,206 deportations
• 2025: 7,019 deportations

These numbers reflect the highest cumulative deportation rate for Indian nationals from any country during the same period. Notably, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah reported that 3,865 Indians were deported in 2025, which forms part of the total figure from Saudi Arabia.

Comparison with the United States

While the US has often been in the media spotlight for its immigration enforcement and deportation measures, particularly during periods of heightened scrutiny under various administrations, the number of Indians deported from the US is considerably lower than from Saudi Arabia.

The year-wise breakdown of deportations of Indians from the United States, according to the Indian mission in Washington DC, is as follows:

• 2021: 805 deportations
• 2022: 862 deportations
• 2023: 617 deportations
• 2024: 1,368 deportations
• 2025: 3,414 deportations

While 2025 saw a spike in US deportations, the cumulative figures over five years remain substantially lower than Saudi Arabia’s numbers. Figures from the Indian Consulates in San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Chicago showed much smaller numbers, mostly in double digits or low hundreds, underscoring that the bulk of deportations occurred through the mission in Washington DC.

Reasons for Deportation

The MEA’s response clarified that the reasons for deportation of Indian nationals from both Saudi Arabia and the United States were varied. Among the most common reasons were overstaying beyond the permitted visa or residency period, working without a valid work permit, or leaving an employer without due notice. Other reasons included violations of labour regulations and involvement in civil or criminal cases.

In Saudi Arabia, many Indian workers face strict compliance rules under the Kafala sponsorship system, which governs employment and residency for expatriates. Overstaying or not adhering to employer agreements can result in immediate detention and deportation. Similarly, in the US, individuals may be deported for violating immigration laws, including overstaying visas or engaging in unauthorized employment.

Impact on the Indian Diaspora

The data underscores the precarious position of Indian expatriates, particularly in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, where a large number of Indians reside and work in various sectors including construction, domestic work, healthcare, and services. The high number of deportations has raised concerns among Indian communities, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local labour and immigration laws.

Experts note that awareness campaigns, timely visa renewals, and strict compliance with employment contracts are critical to minimizing deportation risks. The Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah have historically provided assistance to expatriates facing legal or immigration challenges, including facilitation of Emergency Certificates (ECs) for repatriation.

Role of Indian Missions

According to the MEA, information regarding arrest, detention, and deportation is not usually shared proactively with Indian missions unless nationality verification or the issuance of an Emergency Certificate is required. In cases of deportation, the Indian missions assist the individuals in navigating legal formalities and ensure safe repatriation to India.

The missions in Riyadh and Jeddah play a key role in monitoring the welfare of Indian nationals, facilitating communication with local authorities, and providing guidance to prevent legal or regulatory violations. Similarly, the missions in the US assist deportees in coordinating with local immigration authorities and arranging travel back to India.

Year-on-Year Trends

Saudi Arabia’s deportation figures reveal a peak in 2023, with 11,486 Indian nationals deported, followed by a gradual decline in 2024 and 2025. Analysts suggest that this trend may be influenced by tighter enforcement of residency and labour regulations in the kingdom, changes in employment patterns, and increased awareness campaigns among expatriates regarding visa compliance.

In the United States, the number of deportations fluctuated over the five-year period, with 2025 recording the highest at 3,414. This increase coincides with stricter enforcement measures and targeted checks on visa violations, reflecting the cyclical nature of immigration enforcement policies in the US.

Policy Implications

The statistics serve as a reminder of the importance of bilateral cooperation between India and host countries in addressing immigration challenges. Both Saudi Arabia and the US maintain legal frameworks for deportation, which Indian missions navigate to protect the rights and safety of their citizens.

Additionally, the data highlights the necessity for Indian expatriates to remain informed about local laws, visa conditions, and employment regulations. The government continues to stress preventive measures, such as consulting Indian missions before undertaking employment abroad and ensuring proper documentation to avoid deportation risks.

Conclusion

Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has deported the highest number of Indian nationals, totaling tens of thousands, outpacing even the United States despite global attention on US immigration enforcement. With 7,019 Indians deported from Saudi Arabia in 2025 alone, the kingdom’s strict immigration and labour compliance system has had a significant impact on Indian expatriates.

The data reflects the importance of adhering to visa and employment regulations, the pivotal role of Indian missions in facilitating legal compliance and repatriation, and the ongoing challenges faced by India’s diaspora in regions with stringent immigration rules. As the Indian government continues to monitor deportation trends, it also works to enhance awareness, provide support through consular services, and advocate for the rights of its citizens abroad.

This revelation in the Rajya Sabha serves as both a cautionary tale and an important insight into the realities of expatriate life, highlighting the need for vigilance, legal compliance, and proactive engagement with host-country authorities to ensure safe and lawful employment overseas.