MEA data highlights sharp increase in removals from the United States, while Gulf nations continue to record the largest overall deportation numbers
The number of Indian nationals deported from the United States has increased fivefold between 2023 and 2025, reflecting a significant tightening of immigration enforcement, according to data released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Parliament.
The figures show that 1,703 Indians were deported from the US during the first seven months of 2025, compared with substantially lower numbers in 2023. The increase comes amid stricter immigration measures and intensified action against undocumented migrants by US authorities.
Despite the sharp rise in deportations from the US, Gulf countries continue to account for the largest share of Indian deportees. The United Arab Emirates recorded the highest number of deportations in 2025, driven largely by immigration violations such as visa overstays and breaches of residency regulations. Saudi Arabia also remained among the leading countries returning Indian nationals.
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The MEA data indicates that more than 168,000 Indian citizens were deported from countries worldwide between 2021 and 2025
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The majority of cases originated from West Asia, where millions of Indians live and work, making compliance with local immigration and labour laws a key concern
The issue has attracted attention in Parliament, with lawmakers raising concerns about the treatment of deported Indians, particularly those returned from the United States on military-operated flights earlier this year. The government has said it continues to engage with foreign governments to ensure deportations are conducted in a humane and dignified manner while facilitating the return of verified Indian nationals.
The government has also intensified efforts to combat illegal migration networks and unregistered recruitment agents, urging prospective migrants to use authorised channels and comply with immigration laws to avoid detention and deportation abroad.
