Bengal To Set Up Holding Centres For Illegal Bangladeshis, Rohingya
24 May 2026 5:53 PM IST24 May 2026 5:53 PM IST
A notification issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department on Saturday referred to guidelines of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the deportation process for Bangladeshis and Rohingyas found to be staying illegally in the country
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. (PTI)
Kolkata: The West Bengal government has decided to set up “holding centres” in districts to detain illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshis, Rohingyas and released foreign prisoners, to expedite deportation.
The decision follows implementation of a May 2, 2025 directive issued by the ministry of home affairs (foreigners’ division). An order was issued on Saturday to the director general of police, district magistrates, superintendents of police and police commissioners to act on the directive.
The state home and hill affairs department (Foreigners’ Branch, SAARC Visa Section) said, “Enclosed please find the letter under reference regarding the procedure to be followed for deportation of Bangladeshi / Rohingyas apprehended for staying illegally in this country.”
It added, “In this connection it is requested to take initiative / appropriate action for setting up of Holding Centres in the district for apprehended foreigners as well as for the released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation/repatriation in accordance with the MHA guideline under reference.”
According to the plan, detained individuals will be kept in holding centres for up to 30 days, during which police will verify their citizenship credentials. The district magistrate will take a final decision on deportation.
The move comes after the state government allotted land to the Border Security Force to fence a 27-km stretch along the India-Bangladesh border.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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