West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has issued a directive to all district magistrates to establish holding centres for apprehended illegal immigrants prior to their deportation. This move is in line with the Bharatiya Janata Party's stated policy of 'detect, delete and deport' illegal foreigners.
Government Order Details
An order from the state home department's Foreigners' Branch and SAARC Visa Section specifies that these centres should be created following a May 2025 directive from the Union Home Ministry. The order applies to apprehended foreigners as well as released foreign prisoners who are awaiting deportation or repatriation.
Recent Developments
The directive comes days after Adhikari chaired a meeting with Border Security Force and police officials. During that meeting, he pushed for intensified action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and reviewed border fencing along open stretches of the India-Bangladesh border.
This initiative underscores the state government's commitment to addressing illegal immigration and ensuring strict enforcement of immigration laws. The holding centres are expected to streamline the process of detention and deportation, providing a structured approach to handling individuals who have entered the country without proper documentation.
The establishment of these centres marks a significant step in implementing the BJP's policy framework at the state level. Officials have been instructed to identify suitable locations and ensure that the centres meet all necessary standards for temporary accommodation and security.
