Mumbai deportation of Bangladeshi nationals surges to 1,066 in eight months of 2026

Mumbai's deportation drive targeting Bangladeshi nationals without valid documents has accelerated sharply, with 1,066 people deported in the first eight months of 2026—already surpassing the 1,061 deported throughout 2025. The figure represents a more than sixfold increase compared to 164 deportations in 2024, according to Mumbai police data.

However, a recurring challenge has emerged: repeat entries. Police have arrested several deported individuals re-entering the city, including a woman who allegedly returned through forests in February and a couple arrested in June after being deported in 2025. Another man was apprehended in July after allegedly returning via the Nepal-Guwahati route with human traffickers' assistance.

A retired police officer questioned the data, suggesting rising deportations indicate increased illegal influx and calling for better border management by central agencies. A June High Court case also highlighted documentation challenges in establishing nationality for deportees.