60 Indians Deported from UAE Arrive in Surat Amid Immigration Crackdown

Surat: Around 60 Indian nationals deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived at Surat International Airport on Wednesday aboard an Air India Express flight from Dubai, as the Gulf nation continues a drive against foreign nationals accused of violating immigration and residency regulations.

According to sources, the deportees were among a larger group of foreign nationals being repatriated under the UAE government’s enforcement campaign. Most of the Indians who arrived in Surat belong to economically weaker sections and had travelled to the UAE for employment. They are primarily from states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab.

On arrival at Surat airport, the passengers underwent verification by immigration authorities and other security agencies. Officials questioned them to ascertain the circumstances leading to their deportation and completed the required legal and documentation formalities. The passengers remained within the airport premises until the process was completed and were allowed to leave at around 4:30 pm.

Sources said that many of the deported workers had their original passports, mobile phones and certain personal belongings retained by local authorities in the UAE during the deportation process. To facilitate their return, the Indian Embassy in Dubai reportedly issued Emergency Certificates (temporary travel documents) to eligible citizens. The embassy also assisted with repatriation arrangements, including the cost of air tickets.

According to sources, the UAE’s ongoing enforcement drive is not limited to Indian nationals but also covers citizens of other countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan. The action is reportedly aimed at individuals found to have violated immigration, residency or other local laws.

Officials said deportees are being accommodated on flights based on seat availability. In Wednesday’s case, around 60 vacant seats were available on the Dubai-Surat Air India Express flight, enabling the group to be repatriated on that service.

Authorities have not released an official breakdown of the specific violations committed by the deported individuals. However, sources indicated that the cases involved alleged breaches of local laws and immigration regulations. DeshGujarat