Deportation On Indian Citizens: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed Parliament on Thursday that a total of 1,68,665 Indian citizens were deported from various countries in the last five years (2021–2025). This data was shared in response to a question asked by Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala.
Deportation figures and major countries
According to the data, most of the exports were concentrated in some countries of West Asia, South-East Asia and North America, where a large number of Indian expatriates live.
- Saudi Arabia alone deported 1.2 lakh (72.1%) Indians, the highest from any single country.
- UAE deported 21,310 Indians, which saw a rise in deportations from Dubai after 2023.
- Malaysia and Qatar also deported a large number of Indians.
- A total of 8,518 Indians have been deported from the US, Canada and Britain, of which almost half (4,122) took place in 2025.
- Current situation in America and Canada
Exports from America will increase in 2024–25. Canada also remained among the top 10 countries deporting Indians. A large number of people from Punjab and Haryana have been deported.
Respectful treatment of Indian citizens
Parliament was told that the Government of India is in constant touch with the US and other foreign governments to prevent any inhuman treatment of Indian citizens during deportation. Indian citizenship is clearly tested in all cases. Constant communication is being held with the US government so that all Indians, especially women and children, remain respectfully safe during deportation. The Indian government has also registered its concerns and suggestions with the American authorities.
Crackdown on illegal agents and human trafficking
Parliament was also informed that investigation is ongoing against illegal recruitment agents, criminals and human trafficking gangs. Many cases have been registered based on the testimony and experiences of returning Indians. By December 2025, 3,505 illegal agents were notified on the e-migration portal. Surjewala also asked the government whether formal talks have been held with foreign governments regarding the abusive treatment of women, children and other citizens during deportation.
