West Bengal Launches District Holding Centres For Suspected Foreign Nationals
West Bengal orders district holding centres for suspected illegal migrants.
The West Bengal government has directed the creation of “holding centres” in every district to temporarily house individuals arrested on suspicion of being illegal immigrants, including those believed to be from Bangladesh and Rohingya communities. The move is part of a broader administrative mechanism aimed at managing foreign nationals who are either detained or undergoing verification of their citizenship status.
According to official sources, individuals identified or suspected of being illegal immigrants may be kept in these centres for up to 30 days. During this period, authorities are expected to verify documents and determine whether the detainees are Indian citizens. The centres are also intended to accommodate people who have completed jail terms or are in the process of deportation.
The directive, issued from the state secretariat Nabanna, has been sent to senior police officials, district magistrates, superintendents of police, and police commissioners across West Bengal, including Kolkata. Officials have been instructed to take necessary steps for establishing these facilities and ensuring they function in coordination with existing law enforcement mechanisms.
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The initiative aligns with earlier guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which outlined procedures for identifying and managing suspected illegal immigrants. These central guidelines also refer to the creation of holding facilities and the formation of special task forces to assist in identification, documentation, and deportation processes.
Under the framework, individuals confirmed as foreign nationals are to have their biometric data recorded and shared with central databases before further action is taken. Authorities may then proceed with deportation procedures in coordination with border security agencies, depending on verification outcomes and legal processes.
The West Bengal government has described the initiative as part of a structured “detect, delete and deport” approach aimed at addressing illegal immigration concerns. Officials maintain that the system is intended to ensure proper verification while following due legal process for all individuals under suspicion.
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