Saudi Arabia has deported a significantly higher number of Indian nationals than the United States during the past five years, primarily due to visa overstays and labour-related violations, official Indian government data has revealed. Figures submitted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to parliament show that deportations from Saudi Arabia far outnumber those from any other country between 2021 and 2025.

The data, compiled by the Indian Mission in Riyadh, indicates that 8,887 Indians were deported from Saudi Arabia in 2021, followed by 10,277 in 2022 and 11,486 in 2023. In 2024, the number stood at 9,206, while 7,019 Indian nationals have already been deported from the kingdom so far in 2025.

 Explaining the reasons behind such large-scale deportations, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that most cases involve overstay beyond the validity of visas or residency permits, working without proper work authorisation, violations of labour laws, absconding from employers, and involvement in civil or criminal cases.  

The data also highlights deportations from several other countries, including Myanmar with 1,591 cases, Malaysia with 1,485, the United Arab Emirates with 1,469, Bahrain with 764, Thailand with 481 and Cambodia with 305. 

The Indian government stated that it accords the highest priority to the safety and welfare of Indian nationals living abroad. It said Indian missions remain in close coordination with host governments to provide assistance, facilitate legal support and ensure repatriation wherever required. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)