bengal-to-set-up-holding-centres-for-illegal-migrants-deportees

The West Bengal government has directed all district administrations to set up “holding centres” for detained illegal foreigners and foreign-origin prisoners released from jail who are awaiting deportation or repatriation, according to an official communication issued by the state Home & Hill Affairs Department.

The directive, issued through a letter dated May 23, has been sent to all District Magistrates, asking them to take necessary steps to establish such facilities in their respective districts. It refers to a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) communication dated May 2, 2025, from the Foreigners’ Division of the Government of India.

According to the order, the proposed centres will house foreign nationals found to be staying illegally in India, as well as foreign prisoners who have completed their sentences and are awaiting deportation or repatriation.

The communication specifically refers to deportation procedures involving illegal Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas, stating that the move is in line with central government guidelines.

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Officials said district administrations have been instructed to identify suitable infrastructure and operational mechanisms for setting up the centres, which will function as temporary detention facilities pending deportation procedures.

The move comes amid a broader tightening of enforcement mechanisms against illegal immigration in the state. Earlier this week, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that detained Bangladeshi nationals would now be directly handed over to Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the border instead of being produced before courts under a revised administrative process.

He said the new system had already been communicated to police authorities and the Railway Protection Force, and was aimed at streamlining deportation procedures.

“Since yesterday, the new rule has come into effect under which infiltrators will not be sent to courts but handed over to BSF outposts at the Bangladesh border,” Adhikari said after an administrative review meeting.

Officials said the establishment of holding centres is expected to standardise the handling of foreign nationals awaiting deportation and reduce procedural delays in coordination with central agencies.