Foreign

India Tops Deportation List With Over 2,300 Nigerians Removed Since 2019

The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerians from 2019 to 2024, making Nigerians the most deported nationality among foreign nationals over the period, with reasons including expired visas and drug-related offenses.

By Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer

2 min read 13 views Updated Aug 28, 2026
New Delhi, India — The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerian nationals over a five-year period from 2019 to 2024, official figures obtained from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs show. 

The data reveals that deportations escalated significantly, rising from 339 Nigerians in 2021 to 1,470 in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, making Nigeria the leading nationality among those removed by Indian authorities. 

During the 2023–2024 period, Nigerians accounted for about 63 per cent of all foreigners deported by the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices across major cities, including Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Amritsar, Bangalore and Hyderabad

The deportations were largely linked to expired visas, particularly among those who initially entered on student visas and overstayed, as well as drug-related cases identified by Indian law enforcement agencies. 

India’s immigration enforcement has also been strengthened by new laws enacted in 2025, increasing penalties for unauthorised stays and mandating tighter reporting requirements for foreign students and workers. 

Despite the high deportation figures, Nigerians continue to form a large community in India — estimated at more than 60,000 residents and workers — making it one of the largest West African diasporas in the country. 

The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic and economic engagement between Nigeria and India, including high-level visits and growing bilateral trade and investment, even as immigration compliance issues remain a challenge. 

Your reaction

Pass it on

Share this story

Social links open in a new tab

Story guide

Understand this story

Summary

The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerians from 2019 to 2024, making Nigerians the most deported nationality among foreign nationals over the period, with reasons including expired visas and drug-related offenses. New Delhi, India — The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerian nationals over a five-year period from 2019 to 2024, official...

Key takeaways
  • The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerians from 2019 to 2024, making Nigerians the most deported nationality among foreign nationals over the period, with reasons including expired visas and drug-related offenses.
  • New Delhi, India — The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerian nationals over a five-year period from 2019 to 2024, official figures obtained from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs show.
  • The data reveals that deportations escalated significantly, rising from 339 Nigerians in 2021 to 1,470 in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, making Nigeria the leading nationality among those removed by Indian authorities.
Article FAQ

What is this story about?

The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerians from 2019 to 2024, making Nigerians the most deported nationality among foreign nationals over the period, with reasons including expired visas and drug-related offenses. New Delhi, India — The Government of India has deported at least 2,356 Nigerian nationals over a five-year period from 2019 to 2024, official...

Who published this story?

Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer listed as author.

When was it published?

February 23, 2026

Ruling Family Appeals to Governor to Resume Awujale Selection Process

Continue reading

Ruling Family Appeals to Governor to Resume Awujale Selection Process

News · 2 min readRead next

Join the conversation

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Start the conversation.

Keep reading

Tinubu approves Abuja land for ambassadors-designate

Foreign

Tinubu approves Abuja land for ambassadors-designate

Glow FM can confirm that president Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of plots of land to Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners-designate in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed on Wednesday. Wike made the announcement while receiving the envoys on a court

3 min read · 8 views

Crime has no nationality, NiDCOM calls for end to xenophobic attacks

Foreign

Crime has no nationality, NiDCOM calls for end to xenophobic attacks

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has appealed to the South African government to urgently protect Nigerians and other African migrants amid rising reports of xenophobic attacks, intimidation, and harassment in parts of the country. in a public address on Wednesday signed b

3 min read · 8 views

Reader favourites

  1. 01Portugal to Face Super Eagles ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup212 views
  2. 02SUSPECTED JIHADISTS ATTACK NIAMEY AIRPORT161 views
  3. 03Grammy Awards 2026: Full Winners List, Historic Wins & Major Snubs156 views
  4. 04Iran Threatens US After Trump’s Warning156 views