India Deports British Tourists After Anti-Israel Sticker Campaign in Pushkar
Indian authorities have ordered two British nationals to leave the country after they distributed pro-Palestinian stickers in Rajasthan. The deportation follows a strict enforcement of visa laws prohibiting political activism by foreign tourists.
Indian authorities confirmed the deportation of two British tourists from the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, for violating their visa conditions by engaging in political activism.
The individuals, identified as Lewis Gabriel Dee (36) and Anushi Emma Christine (36), were visiting India on tourist visas. According to the Rajasthan Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the couple was found distributing and pasting stickers across public spaces in Pushkar with slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "Boycott Israel."
Authorities tracked the duo using CCTV footage and local intelligence after reports of the stickers surfaced on January 21. Investigation revealed that the couple had printed at least nine sheets of these political messages at a local press.
The Rajasthan CID issued a formal "Leave India" notice under the Immigration and Foreigners Act of 2025. The deportation was based on two primary factors:
Visa Violation: Tourist visas in India strictly prohibit "political, protest-related, or ideological activities."Public Order: Pushkar is a high-traffic destination for Israeli tourists, hosting nearly 2,000 at any given time and featuring a prominent Chabad House. Officials stated that the activists' actions were "disrespectful to other nations" and posed a risk to local sensitivities.
Additional Superintendent of Police (CID) Rajesh Meena stated that the tourists apologized during questioning but emphasized that India maintains a "zero-tolerance" policy for visa misuse. The couple has been directed to depart immediately and faces potential blacklisting, which would bar them from entering India in the future.