Over 18 Lakh Indians Studying Abroad: Could Visa Violations Be Causing Deportations?
Synopsis
In a significant revelation, over 18.82 lakh Indian students are studying abroad, predominantly in the UAE, Canada, and the US. However, many face deportations due to visa violations. With the Ministry of External Affairs prioritizing student safety, learn about the measures in place to protect Indian nationals overseas.
Key Takeaways
Over 18.82 lakh Indian students are studying abroad.
Top destinations include UAE , Canada , US , Australia , and UK .
Visa violations are the main cause of deportations.
The MEA is focused on protecting Indian students.
Support systems like MADAD portal are in place.
New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) More than 18.82 lakh Indian students are presently enrolled in educational institutions abroad, with the largest populations located in the UAE (2.53 lakh), Canada (4.27 lakh), US (2.55 lakh), Australia (1.96 lakh), and UK (1.73 lakh), as disclosed to Parliament on Thursday.
The information, provided in a written response in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, revealed that students are studying across 153 countries, ranging from major educational hubs to lesser-known places like Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Cyprus, which collectively accommodate numerous Indian medical aspirants.
The ministry also shared statistics on students deported or denied entry over the past five years.
The UK deported 170 students, while the US deported 45 and denied entry to 62. Australia deported 114 students.
Other nations where Indian students faced deportations included Russia (82), Ukraine (13), Georgia (17), Finland (5), and Egypt (2). Kyrgyzstan denied entry to 11 students but recorded no deportations.
The minister emphasized that deportations are mainly due to breaches of visa regulations, such as illegal employment, unauthorized business activities, failure to maintain necessary financial balances, non-payment of university fees, insufficient attendance, or withdrawal from academic programs.
Many students were denied entry for lacking complete admission documentation, not meeting university enrollment criteria, or being unable to respond to fundamental questions regarding their courses.
The minister stressed that the MEA prioritizes the protection of Indian students overseas.
Embassies regularly engage with students, conduct university interactions, and distribute advisories to caution against fraudulent or unaccredited courses.
Additionally, the reply underscored the advisories issued by the Ministry to protect Indian students from misleading international educational programs in nations such as Tajikistan, Suriname, Finland, Latvia, Egypt, Canada, China, Malta, Ireland, Uzbekistan, and others.
The response noted various support mechanisms like MADAD portal registration, 24×7 helplines, open houses, email and social media outreach, and the application of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to assist students in need.
The ministry also highlighted recent evacuation initiatives—such as Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel), Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran)—to emphasize its dedication to the safety of Indian citizens, particularly students, during overseas crises.
Point of View
It is essential to underscore the significance of safeguarding Indian students studying overseas. With over 18 lakh students enrolled globally, the government’s focus on addressing visa violations and ensuring their well-being is paramount. The commitment to protecting our youth abroad must remain a national priority.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian students are studying abroad?
Currently, there are over 18.82 lakh Indian students studying in various countries worldwide.
Which countries have the most Indian students?
The highest numbers of Indian students are in the UAE, Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK.
What are the common reasons for deportations?
Deportations are primarily due to visa norm violations, such as illegal employment, non-payment of fees, and poor attendance.
How does the government support Indian students abroad?
The government provides support through advisories, regular contact with embassies, and mechanisms like the MADAD portal.
What evacuation efforts have been made for Indian students?
Recent evacuation initiatives include Operations Ganga, Kaveri, Ajay, Devi Shakti, and Sindhu to assist Indian nationals during crises.
