Hyderabad is quickly turning into a major hub for illegal immigrants—a trend that’s catching the attention of both state and central governments. With recent alerts from the Central Government, Telangana’s authorities have stepped up their game, digging into the problem with more intensity than ever. And the numbers are hard to ignore: thousands of undocumented foreign nationals now call Telangana home, and Hyderabad sits right at the center of it all. Mainly, Rohingya settlements in Hyderabad old city are a matter of national security.
The Numbers: Who is Residing Illegally?
Let’s get specific. Intelligence teams—immigration officials, local police, you name it—estimate that over 21,000 illegal immigrants are living in the state. Here’s how that breaks down:
Rohingyas from Myanmar make up the largest group, with around 9,500 people. Bangladeshis follow, numbering over 4,000, even though official registration records list just 40. Then you have more than 1,400 African nationals. Many of them entered the country legally but simply stayed after their visas ran out. Add it up, and you get a staggering total: about 21,500 undocumented immigrants, mostly clustered in and around Hyderabad.
Why are Immigrants Choosing Hyderabad?
It comes down to a few basic facts. The city’s cost of living is lower than most other major Indian cities, which is a huge draw. There’s no shortage of informal jobs—plenty of ways to earn cash under the radar. Plus, Hyderabad’s sprawling growth means it’s easier to stay anonymous if your documents aren’t in order. Authorities put Hyderabad right behind Delhi and Mumbai as the top destination for these migrants.
Security Concerns and Deportation Efforts
There’s a darker side in the illegal migrants issue. While most are just trying to survive, police have noticed a rise in criminal activity. Illegal drug trade, for example, keeps cropping up in police reports. In 2025 alone, EAGLE, the city’s anti-narcotics unit, arrested 24 African nationals for drug-related crimes. Combine that with past cases, and authorities have stepped up their efforts, deporting 42 foreign nationals in recent months.
Still, finding and tracking these undocumented residents isn’t easy. Without official records, they’re nearly invisible to the system. Authorities say they’re handling Rohingyas with care, focusing on humanitarian aid, but for others, the strategy is clear: they’re actively searching for, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants. That’s where things stand now. The numbers are rising, and for Hyderabad, the challenge isn’t going away any time soon
