India Deportation: In 2025, Saudi Arabia deported 11,000 Indians and America deported 3,800 Indians. H1B visa interview cancelled, impact on students and labourers. H1B visa interviews cancelled, increasing NRI threat to Indians and what is MEA’s response? Know complete details.
US Immigration Indian Deportation: In 2025, more than 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries around the world. The largest number in this was from Saudi Arabia, which sent back more than 11,000 Indians. Although the US deported only 3,800 Indians, it was the largest number in the last five years. The data presented in the Parliament by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clearly showed that Saudi Arabia was at the top in deportation cases, and America was at second place due to increasing strictness. The increasing number of deportations in Saudi Arabia and America this year has raised many questions for Indians. Is this just the strictness of the rules or part of a larger pattern?
Why did the number of deportations increase in Saudi Arabia?
Most deportations in Saudi Arabia were cited as reasons for visa overstay, working without a valid permit, and violation of labor regulations. There are many Indian laborers who go to Saudi Arabia through agents and being less skilled laborers, they are not aware of the local rules, which leads to a situation of breaking the law. Bhima Reddy, vice-chairman of the Telangana government’s NRI advisory committee, says this is a pattern with Gulf countries, where a large number of Indians go for labour. Many times, in the desire to earn more, people get trapped in even small crimes. More than 11,000 Indians were deported to Saudi Arabia, while this number is also quite high in other Gulf countries. 1,591 Indians were deported to Myanmar, 1,469 to UAE, 1,485 to Malaysia, 764 to Bahrain and 481 to Thailand.
Why the increase in deportation in America?
America deports about 3,800 Indians in 2025, which is the highest in the last five years. The reason behind this is said to be the strict scrutiny of visa status, work authorization and overstay under the administration of former President Trump. Most deportations from the US took place in Washington, D.C. (3,414 cases) and Houston (234 cases). Is this just the strictness of the rules or the effect of some new policy? This question is in the mind of every Indian expatriate.
Indian students also did not get relief
Deportation was not limited to laborers only. The data also revealed that the highest number of Indian students were deported from the United Kingdom (170 cases), followed by Australia (114), Russia (82) and the US (45). H1B visa interviews in America were also suddenly postponed. Interviews of thousands of applicants were postponed for several months to check their social media and online profiles. The interviews of some applicants scheduled last week were postponed till May next year. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian government is actively talking with the American side to reduce the problems faced by its citizens.
What are the reasons for deportation to other countries?
According to experts, the main reasons for deportation are as follows:
- visa overstay
- working without a valid permit
- Absconding from employer or violating labor regulations
- Involvement in civil or criminal cases
- These reasons are especially applicable for migrant laborers in Gulf countries.
Were interviews for H-1B visa applicants also affected?
India has expressed its concerns to the US as interviews for thousands of H-1B visa applicants were suddenly postponed this month. Some applicants received e-mails that their interviews have been postponed to May next year. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian government is actively engaged with the US side to minimize the problems faced by its citizens.
Should India be worried?
The increasing number of deportations is a worrying sign for Indian expatriates and students. Experts believe that the number of deportations may continue to increase, especially in countries where rules are strict. It has become more important than ever for Indian citizens to be aware of the visa rules and local laws in countries like the Gulf countries and America.