In a significant step towards strengthening action against illegal immigration, the West Bengal government has directed all District Magistrates to establish holding centres for apprehended foreigners awaiting deportation or repatriation.
The Home and Hill Affairs Department issued the directive on May 23, 2026, asking district administrations to set up these centres in accordance with guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The order specifically targets Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya immigrants staying illegally in the state.
The West Bengal Government Home and Hill Affairs Department has today ordered all District Magistrates to set up dedicated Holding Centers for detained Bangladeshi, Rohingya illegal foreigners for deportation. pic.twitter.com/dAHu6JWi0q
— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) May 24, 2026
According to the government communication, the holding centres will accommodate not only newly apprehended illegal foreigners but also foreign prisoners who have completed their sentences and are awaiting deportation procedures. District officials have been asked to take immediate steps for the establishment of these facilities as per local requirements.
The directive states, “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. 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.”
This move comes after the formation of the new BJP-led government in the state under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The Chief Minister had earlier announced that illegal infiltrators, particularly those not eligible under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), would be handed over directly to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deportation instead of being produced in courts.
The CM on Thursday announced the immediate commencement of deportation proceedings against Bangladeshi infiltrators illegally residing in West Bengal. He said that under the “Detect, Delete and Deport” policy, Bangladeshi infiltrators will be identified, detained and handed over directly to the BSF, which will deport them to Bangladesh in coordination with the Border Guards Bangladesh.
The initiative aligns with the Centre’s directives on identification, detention, and deportation of illegal foreigners. The state government is expected to bear the initial costs of setting up and operating these holding centres.
District Magistrates have been instructed to coordinate with relevant authorities, including police and immigration officials, to ensure smooth identification and transfer of illegal immigrants to these centres before they are repatriated.
