Government data for 2025 shows that Indian nationals were deported in significantly larger numbers from Gulf countries than from the United States, underlining the scale of irregular migration and employment-related violations in key overseas labour destinations. The government informed Parliament that more than 3,800 Indians were deported from the United States last year, while Saudi Arabia alone accounted for 13,256 deportations. A substantial number of Indians were also deported from the United Arab Emirates.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for External Affairs said that deportations from the US were recorded up to mid-December 2025. In Saudi Arabia’s case, 4,335 Indian nationals were deported through the Indian embassy in Riyadh, while 8,921 were sent back through the Indian consulate in Jeddah.
In the UAE, 1,662 Indians were deported via the embassy in Abu Dhabi, and 7,896 through the Indian consulate in Dubai during the year.
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Consulate-wise deportations from the US
A breakdown of US deportations by Indian consulate showed that Houston accounted for the highest number, with 234 Indians deported. This was followed by New York (47), San Francisco (49), Atlanta (31) and Seattle (31).
The government said that in every case, deportation is carried out only after unambiguous verification of the individual’s Indian nationality.
Concerns over treatment of deportees
The Centre also said it has formally raised concerns with foreign authorities regarding the treatment of Indian nationals during deportation procedures. Particular objections have been flagged over the use of restraints, especially on women and children.
Based on accounts shared by returning deportees, multiple cases have been registered by central and state agencies. Investigations are underway against illegal recruitment agents, criminal facilitators and human trafficking syndicates believed to be operating across borders.
Crackdown on fake recruitment agents
Reiterating that the safety and welfare of Indians seeking overseas employment remains a priority, the government said that under the Emigration Act, 1983, no individual or agency can operate as a recruitment agent without a valid licence issued by the Protector General of Emigrants.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to issue advisories through the eMigrate portal, social media platforms and other channels, warning citizens about fake job rackets. As of December 2025, 3,505 unregistered agents had been identified and flagged on the eMigrate portal.
US transport rules and Indian drivers
Replying to a separate query, the ministry said there is no official data on the number of Indian nationals working as truck or heavy vehicle drivers in the US. It noted that in September 2025, the US Department of Transportation issued an emergency interim rule tightening norms for issuing and monitoring non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licences.
Although a nationwide court stay in November 2025 paused parts of the rule amid legal challenges, several US states have begun enforcing stricter checks. The government clarified that visa and employment regulations fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of the host country.
Southeast Asia scam centres a growing threat
The government also acknowledged cases where Indian nationals were lured by fake recruitment firms through social media to Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar and Lao PDR. In 2025, Indians rescued included 1,300 from Cambodia, 1,421 from Lao PDR, and 1,594 from Myanmar.
These individuals were forced to engage in cybercrime and fraud from scam centres operating in those countries, the government said.
The road ahead
Experts say tighter immigration enforcement in the Gulf and the US, combined with the persistence of illegal recruitment networks, has pushed deportation numbers higher. The government has stressed that coordination with foreign authorities, stricter verification systems and tougher action against trafficking and fake agents will be intensified. Citizens have also been urged to use only registered agents and official channels when seeking overseas employment to reduce risks.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
