On April 30, 2026, 11 individuals from Punjab were deported from Australia, landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. They were part of a larger group of 15 Indian nationals sent back by Australian authorities.
The Australian government has carried out a significant deportation of Indian nationals, the majority of whom hail from various districts in Punjab. This move follows a tightening of immigration and criminal conduct policies in Australia.
Why Were They Deported?
According to statements made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the primary reasons for the deportation include:
-
Criminal Involvement: Several individuals were reportedly involved in criminal cases within Australia. CM Mann noted that breaking local laws leads to immediate visa cancellation and deportation.
-
Visa Violations: Some members of the group had overstayed their visas or violated the specific conditions of their entry (such as working illegally on student or visitor visas).
-
Illegal Migration: Investigations are underway to determine if some were sent through fraudulent travel agents who used illegal routes or fake documentation.
Who Are the Deportees?
The group consists of 15 people in total, with the following state-wise breakdown:
-
Punjab: 11 people (10 men and 1 woman).
-
Telangana: 2 people.
-
Haryana: 1 person.
-
Uttarakhand: 1 person.
Within Punjab, the individuals are reported to be from districts including Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Moga, Nawanshahr, Gurdaspur, and Ferozepur.
Government Response and Rehabilitation
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a proactive stance on the matter:
-
Reception at Airport: A team of Punjab Police was dispatched to Delhi to receive the deportees and verify their details.
-
Investigation into Fraud: The Punjab government plans to probe the "travel agents" involved. If any agents are found to have cheated these individuals or sent them via illegal means, strict legal action will be taken.
-
Support & Jobs: The CM emphasized that while they broke laws abroad, they remain "children of the state." The government has promised support for their rehabilitation and urged Punjabi youth to seek employment through official government channels rather than risking illegal migration.
