Delhi(The COW News Digital)Indian nationals have emerged as the most deported foreign citizens from Saudi Arabia over the past five years, according to official data released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The figures highlight the scale of enforcement drives carried out by Saudi authorities under stricter residency and labor regulations.
The Indian government stated that between 2021 and 2025, Saudi Arabia deported more Indian citizens than any other nationality worldwide. Data compiled by the Indian mission in Riyadh shows a steady number of deportations each year, reflecting ongoing crackdowns on immigration and labor violations.
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According to the statistics, 8,887 Indian nationals were deported from Saudi Arabia in 2021. The number rose to 10,277 in 2022 and increased further to 11,486 in 2023. In 2024, deportations declined slightly to 9,206, while 7,019 Indians have been deported so far in 2025.
Indian officials attributed the trend to Saudi Arabia’s periodic enforcement campaigns targeting violations of residency (iqama) rules, labor reforms, visa overstays, and breaches of employment contracts. The implementation of the Saudization policy, which prioritizes the employment of Saudi nationals in various sectors, has also played a significant role in the removal of foreign workers who fail to meet updated legal requirements.
Saudi authorities regularly conduct inspection drives across major cities and industrial zones to identify undocumented workers and those employed in violation of visa conditions. Individuals found guilty of such violations are detained and subsequently deported, often with temporary or permanent bans on re-entry.
India maintains one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia, with millions of Indian workers employed across construction, services, healthcare, and domestic sectors. While most Indian workers are legally employed, officials say a small percentage fall afoul of evolving regulations, leading to deportation.
The Indian government has advised its citizens working in Saudi Arabia to strictly comply with local laws, ensure valid residency documents, and remain aware of changes in labor and immigration policies. Indian missions in the Kingdom continue to provide legal guidance and consular support to affected nationals where possible.
The data underscores the impact of Saudi Arabia’s labor reforms on foreign workers and highlights the need for greater awareness among expatriates to avoid legal complications in the Kingdom.
