JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has deported thousands of Indian nationals over the past five years for violations of local laws. The data mentions ongoing challenges related to visa compliance, labor regulations, and lawful residency among foreign workers.
In this regard, Indian citizens were detained and deported after being found involved in criminal activities or in clear violation of the Kingdom’s immigration and labor laws. The newly released figures indicate that the number of Indian nationals deported from Saudi Arabia during this period is higher than that of any other country.
Furthermore, the report, submitted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, compiles deportation statistics from the past five years.
It shows that 8,887 Indian nationals were deported from Saudi Arabia in 2021. This number rose to 10,277 in 2022 and further increased to 11,486 in 2023. In 2024, deportations stood at 9,206, while 7,019 individuals have already been deported in the current year to date.
In this sense, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, acknowledged in Parliament that most deportation cases stem from unauthorized employment and violations of residency conditions.
Meanwhile, the number of Indian nationals deported from Saudi Arabia exceeds deportation figures reported by several other countries, including the United States, where comparable numbers remain significantly lower.
The situation has prompted renewed discussion within policy circles about the responsibilities of both individuals and the state.
There are several analysts who argue that international credibility is built not only through diplomatic statements and economic growth, but also through disciplined compliance with laws and responsible conduct by citizens abroad.
