India has deported 1,470 Nigerian nationals from its territory between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, making Nigerians the largest group of foreign nationals removed during that period, official data shows.
According to figures obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs in India, more than 2,331 foreign nationals were deported in the fiscal year, with Nigerians accounting for about 63 per cent of the total removals carried out by Foreigners Regional Registration Offices across seven major Indian cities including Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Amritsar, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
The data shows that, on average, roughly 122 Nigerians were deported each month a rate of about four per day throughout the year. Bangladesh and Uganda were the next most deported nationalities, with 411 and 78 individuals removed respectively.
Indian authorities linked most of the deportations to expired visas and involvement in drug-related offences, with many Nigerians reportedly entering the country on student visas and remaining after their permits lapsed. Specific cases cited include deportations from Hyderabad involving Nigerians who had overstayed after their visas expired and were associated with alleged narcotics activity though not all were found with drugs at the time of deportation.
Despite the high number of deportations, Nigerians continue to have a significant presence in India, where approximately 60,000 Nigerians live and work the largest West African community in the country as of 2025.
The deportation figures come amid strong diplomatic engagement between the two countries, including state visits and discussions on trade, investment and bilateral cooperation, even as Indian officials emphasise the importance of immigration compliance and national security.
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