US Deportation List: Over 3,800 Indians Deported in 2025 Amid Immigration Crackdown
In a significant development highlighting global migration challenges, the United States deported over 3,800 Indian nationals in 2025, according to official data revealed in the Indian Parliament. This figure underscores the Trump administration's continued tough stance on immigration, which has seen a crackdown on illegal migration into the country.
Deportation Numbers and Government Response
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided a written response to a query by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, detailing that 3,414 Indians were deported by Washington till mid-December 2025. The data further breaks down deportations from various US consulates:
- New York: 47 deportations
- Atlanta: 31 deportations
- Houston: 234 deportations
- San Francisco: 49 deportations
- Seattle: 31 deportations
Singh emphasized that the Indian government is in constant dialogue with the US government regarding the need for "humane treatment" of Indian nationals during deportation operations. This follows protests in Parliament last year over reports of "inhumane" deportations involving Indian migrants in "shackles" and "chains." Singh stated, "We have registered our concerns with the US authorities, particularly with respect to use of restraints on the deportees, especially women and children."
Global Deportation Trends: Saudi Arabia, China, and Others
The revelation extends beyond the US, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a major source of deportations, sending back over 12,000 Indians in 2025. Other countries with high deportation numbers include:
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- China
Neighbouring China also deported Indians, though in smaller numbers compared to Saudi Arabia. The data spans from 2021 to 2025, providing a comprehensive view of deportation trends affecting Indian nationals worldwide.
India's Measures to Curb Illegal Migration
In response to these deportations, the Indian government has outlined several preventive measures to tackle illegal migration, often referred to as the "Dunki route" used for illegal immigration to North America. Key initiatives include:
- Registration of Recruiting Agents: Under the Emigration Act 1983, no person or agency can function as a recruiting agent without a valid license issued by the Protector General of Emigrants. This aims to reduce fraud and exploitation.
- Emigration Clearance: ECR passport holders proceeding for employment to any of the 19 notified Emigration Check Required countries must obtain Emigration Clearance from the office of the Protector of Emigrants.
- Digital Platform: The eMigrate portal aids in legal, safe migration for Indian workers, with 3,505 unregistered agents notified on the portal till December last year.
Singh added that central and state governments, along with law enforcement agencies, have registered cases and are investigating illegal recruitment agents, criminal facilitators, and human trafficking syndicates.
Complete Deportation List Highlights
The detailed list of Indian nationals deported from foreign countries from 2021 to 2025 reveals significant patterns. For instance, in 2025:
- Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah combined): Over 12,000 deportations
- UAE (Abu Dhabi and Dubai combined): Over 9,500 deportations
- Malaysia: 1,675 deportations
- Myanmar: 1,605 deportations
These numbers highlight the ongoing challenges in migration management and the need for international cooperation to ensure the rights and safety of migrants.
As global deportation figures rise, India continues to engage with foreign governments to protect its citizens and promote legal migration pathways, emphasizing humane treatment and adherence to international norms.
