The year 2025 witnessed a significant tightening of regulations for migrant workers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, leading to the large-scale deportation of Indian nationals. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain collectively sent thousands back to India, primarily for violations related to their residence and work visas.
Saudi Arabia Leads GCC in Indian Deportations
Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number, deporting over 11,000 Indian workers in a single year. The majority of those affected were employed in low-skilled sectors such as construction, domestic work, and caregiving. Experts point to a complex web of reasons behind these deportations, ranging from simple oversights by workers to deliberate misinformation provided by recruitment agents in India.
Bheema Reddy, the vice-chairman of Telangana’s NRI advisory committee, highlighted the core issue. He stated that Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia continue to attract a massive influx of Indian workers, many of whom are low-skilled and arrive through agents. In their pursuit of better earnings, even minor breaches of local laws can rapidly escalate into serious cases resulting in deportation.
UAE and Bahrain Also Enforce Strict Compliance
The trend was not isolated to Saudi Arabia. Authorities in the UAE deported 1,469 Indian nationals in 2025, while Bahrain sent back 764. The common causes across these countries were strikingly similar:
- Overstaying beyond the visa validity period.
- Working without a valid permit or for an unauthorized employer.
- Absconding from the sponsoring employer (Kafala system violations).
- General breaches of labour regulations.
This reflects a region-wide increase in vigilance by Gulf authorities monitoring migrant worker compliance. Naga Bharani of the Telangana Overseas Manpower Company advised, "Indian workers must track their visa timelines carefully and understand local laws. Simple awareness and timely extensions can prevent deportation."
Faulty Recruitment Practices Amplify the Problem
A recurring theme in these deportation cases is the critical role played by recruitment agents in India. Misrepresentation of job roles, promised salaries, or even the type of visa being issued leaves workers vulnerable from the outset. Many migrants, unaware of the strict legal frameworks in their host country, inadvertently violate rules and face severe consequences.
Reddy further elaborated on this challenge, noting that numerous cases stem from workers being lured by agents with promises of superior pay or working conditions. When the reality differs and regulations are breached, they face legal action. "Education before departure is crucial," he emphasised, pointing to the need for better pre-departure orientation for aspiring migrant workers.
The collective action by Gulf states in 2025 underscores a persistent regulatory scrutiny of the expatriate workforce. For Indian workers, it serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to secure proper documentation, understand contractual obligations, and seek reliable information channels before and during their employment in the region.
