US deported 414 Indian nationals in first three months of 2026: Minister

The United States deported 414 Indian nationals in the first quarter of 2026, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. This figure represents the highest number of deportations from any single country during the period of January 1 to March 31, 2026.

In addition to deportations from the U.S., more than 170 Indian nationals were sent back from various European countries during the same timeframe. The United Kingdom recorded the highest number of deportations within Europe, with 57 Indians returned, followed closely by Cyprus, which deported 53 nationals. Other European nations reporting deportations included Greece, Turkey, France, Italy, and Germany, among others.

Data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also revealed a rising trend in deportations from the U.S. in recent years, with figures escalating from 617 in 2023 to 2,025 in 2025. In response to concerns about individuals being lured by fraudulent overseas job offers, Jaishankar stated that the ministry refers complaints against illegal agents and dubious firms to state police for investigation and prosecution under relevant legal provisions.

The MEA continues to issue advisories through its eMigrate portal and social media platforms to warn citizens about such fraudulent schemes. The ministry has also notified 3,505 unregistered agents on the eMigrate portal as of October 2025.

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As and when complaints against illegal agents/dubious firms luring Indian nationals in false recruitment offers through various channels are received, such matters are referred to the State police for investigation and prosecution under the relevant legal provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other legislation in place.