Crisis for Indian Students in Georgia Due to Deportations

Group of Indian students studying at a university in Tbilisi

News Summary

A growing crisis in Georgia sees many Indian students facing deportation, with allegations of racial profiling and systemic immigration failures. Since 2016, the Indian population in Georgia has surged, but visa rejections and detentions have escalated, leading to fears among students. Legal challenges in the immigration system have exacerbated vulnerabilities, leaving students unsure of their futures and families questioning government support. The Georgian government’s response has been criticized for a lack of transparency, heightening concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals.

Tbilisi – A rising crisis is developing in Georgia as a significant number of Indian students face deportation, amid allegations of racial profiling and systemic failures in the immigration process. Reports indicate that since 2016, the population of Indian nationals residing in Georgia has surged from 2,000 to an estimated 16,000 as of December 2024, with students representing about half of this demographic.

The shocking increase in deportations has become a trend among Indian and Pakistani nationals, who have reported experiencing arbitrary visa rejections, detentions, and deportations without adequate explanations or due process. Many individuals affected by these circumstances are reluctant to speak publicly due to fears of additional harassment or retaliation from authorities.

Notably, immigration lawyers in Tbilisi have criticized the Georgian immigration system, citing numerous cases where minor errors, such as incorrect email addresses, have led to severe consequences, including deportation. An Indian student, Suman, faced a harrowing ordeal that resulted in his deportation in July 2025. His experience highlighted the alarming conditions of detentions, which included overcrowding, physical assaults, and deprivation of basic necessities.

Reports reveal that Indian students often endure systematic targeting for deportation shortly following their graduation. Many individuals find themselves detained for prolonged periods without access to legal support, exacerbating their vulnerability and fear.

The Georgian government has faced backlash for its lack of transparency regarding border enforcement policies, particularly as they align with EU migration regulations. Recent patterns suggest a troubling inconsistency in how the immigration system treats Indian nationals, leading families to feel abandoned by the Indian government amidst rising incidents of mistreatment abroad. The Indian government has not actively responded to these concerns, leaving families questioning the lack of advocacy for their loved ones.

The reaction from the Georgian Embassy in India has further complicated the situation. Officials dismissed the concerns surrounding deportations, stating they cannot intervene in matters related to border security. This has left families of affected students disillusioned and frustrated, amplifying their feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

A pervasive culture of fear has spread among Indian students and nationals in Georgia. Many have opted to withhold their identities or use pseudonyms when discussing their experiences. Affected individuals have described their time within the immigration system as traumatic, leading to feelings of humiliation, financial ruin, and shattered dreams.

As the crisis unfolds, the long-term implications for Indian students in Georgia remain uncertain. The erosion of trust in the immigration process and the looming threat of deportation has left many standing on shaky ground, unsure of their future in a country they once viewed as a welcoming destination for education.

While the situation remains precarious, the need for greater awareness, advocacy, and reform within Georgia’s immigration system has never been more critical. The plight of Indian students serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present within immigration processes worldwide, highlighting a growing need for accountability and protective measures for international students.

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STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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