Saudi Marks Largest Share of 2025 Indian Worker Deportations

Saudi Arabia became the GCC’s biggest source of Indian worker deportations in 2025 after India’s Ministry of External Affairs tabled figures showing 24,600+ deportations worldwide and 11,000+ linked to Saudi Arabia. The jump drew attention because it sat well ahead of other Gulf states, and it also beat the US total. The story moved fast in late 2025, with Indian outlets circling back to one repeating theme: rule enforcement got tighter. for more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.

Why Saudi Led GCC Deportations in 2025

Reports tied the rise to stricter checks on residency, labour, and border violations, especially visa overstays, expired permits, and unauthorized work. Wider crackdowns on illegal residents also showed up in the reporting during 2025, pushing removals upward once cases were processed. And when compliance drives run weekly, numbers don’t stay flat, they climb.

Read more: US Freezes Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations — See Who’s on the List

What Changed on the Ground

• More inspections at worksites and public checkpoints
• Faster action on absconding and illegal employment
• Quicker deportation steps after violations were logged