This September, Australia witnessed a massive protest. Why? There was an outcry against Indian immigrants. Australians want Indians to return to their country. The deportation wave in America was already in motion. In Ireland, hundreds of Indians have also been targeted. Now, Germany has joined the list. Even Saudi Arabia has not been immune. While India is growing economically and forming stronger diplomatic and military ties, why are ordinary Indians abroad facing deportations?
The story has many layers. But before understanding the wave of deportations, let's dive in.
Saudi Arabia tops the list from where the most Indians have been deported in the past five years. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Saudi expelled more Indians than the USA. In 2023 alone, more than eleven thousand Indians were deported. This year alone saw around seven thousand deportations. Comparatively, about three and a half thousand Indians were deported from the US this year.
Now, speaking of Germany, Indian students are being removed from a university in Berlin. This international university attracts over 125,000 students from 190 countries, including about 3,500 Indian students. The root of the controversy involves hybrid programs combining online study with occasional offline classes.
Source: aajtak
German authorities found various irregularities. The courts and Berlin Immigration Authority got involved, stating that several university courses weren't on-campus according to German standards. Hence, students are being sent back. Although this affects numerous international students, Indians are more targeted due to their numbers.
In September, Australia saw the March for Australia rally, where thousands protested, demanding the deportation of Indians.
Why the sudden backlash? It's not directed at a specific community but generally at those perceived as outsiders. For years, immigration rules were loosely enforced. Now, with rising populace, locals feel that external people are taking away their jobs and resources. This led to protests, reaching governments. Now, authorities pledge to deport substantial populations within specified timelines, prioritizing locals in jobs and education.
Previously, minor overstay, visa condition breaches, or documentation issues were overlooked. Now, there's zero tolerance. With many Indians, large actions seem apparent.
Source: aajtak
Securing entry on a student visa and then finding work to stay permanently was common. Most students never returned. Now, countries emphasize adhering strictly to visa intentions. This has become significant for student visas in the US, skill visas in Germany, and the Gulf states' job-sponsor system.
A significant portion of Indian deportations from America relates to the Southern Border. Many reached Latin America on tourist visas or via agent networks, attempting illegal entry. The current US administration ties this to national security, especially after recent lone-wolf attacks and other rising terrorist incidents in the West. This is another reason for repatriation.
Saudi Arabia's and the Gulf's return of Indians is largely due to their Nationalization policies. Take Saudi Arabia, where Saudization is in full swing, prioritizing locals in jobs, and sections that Indians and other foreigners occupied for years are now favoring locals. This is why many contracts aren't renewed, forcing people to return.
Is the growing resentment against Indians because they are overqualified or reaching better positions, particularly in the US? The debate arises repeatedly. The issue ties more to perceived overrepresentation. Indians hold leadership roles in Silicon Valley, and many Indians occupy roles at various levels. The US currently faces economic pressures; thus, conversations about outsiders holding prime jobs are common. This is why Indian immigrants appear targeted.
