More than 2,790 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States this year after being found illegally residing in the country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday. The deportations followed thorough verification of their nationality and credentials by Indian authorities.

“Since January this year, we have had over 2,790 Indian nationals who did not meet the criteria. They were illegally staying there, and we verified their credentials and nationality before they returned,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during his weekly media briefing.

The MEA also noted that around 100 Indian nationals have been deported from the United Kingdom under similar verification procedures. India continues to maintain a firm stance against illegal migration, while encouraging legitimate, regulated pathways for employment and education abroad.

Last month, Jaiswal had revealed that 2,417 Indians were deported or repatriated from the US since January 2025. He reiterated India’s consistent position — promoting legal migration while cooperating with other nations to tackle irregular migration.

Among the deportees was Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old woman from Punjab, who was sent back from California in September after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a regular check-in.

“Whenever individuals without legal status are identified and confirmed as Indian nationals, we coordinate with host countries to facilitate their return,” Jaiswal said.

The deportations come amid heightened scrutiny of immigration policies across Western nations and a surge in attempts by individuals seeking to enter or remain abroad through irregular means.