Mumbai Opens First Detention Centre for Illegal Foreign Nationals
Operational Status of the Detention Centre
Nearly two years after its proposal, Mumbai’s first detention centre for illegal foreign nationals has commenced operations. Located in Bhoiwada, the facility began functioning two weeks ago and currently accommodates around 40 Bangladeshi nationals awaiting deportation.
The Indian Express previously reported last month that the centre had remained unused due to bureaucratic hurdles regarding its management, leading to challenges for police in accommodating detainees without criminal charges. In 2025, Mumbai police detained and deported 1,058 Bangladeshi nationals, many of whom had been temporarily housed in police station rooms pending deportation.
Facility Details
The detention centre, which can house up to 80 individuals, was officially made operational on March 26. It is managed by the Social Welfare Department, with security provided by the Maharashtra State Security Force. The two-storey structure includes 20 rooms, each equipped with two bunk beds on either side, designed to accommodate both male and female detainees.
According to a senior officer, the 40 individuals currently at the centre will remain there until arrangements for transportation to the Indo-Bangla border for deportation are made. A police guard from the Local Arms Division is stationed outside the building. The facility has been organized into male and female sections, providing space for 60 men and 20 women, with necessary facilities including food, bathrooms, and bunk beds.
Challenges and Adjustments
Despite its operational status, the centre faces some challenges. An officer mentioned that the initial assumption about the gender ratio of detainees led to a skewed division of space, resulting in the female section reaching its full capacity. Consequently, some women have had to be accommodated in police stations. Officers indicated they would approach the Social Welfare Department to implement necessary changes to address this issue.
As of the end of March this year, nearly 400 Bangladeshi nationals have been detained, with 220 by the Mumbai police and 180 by other units. While the capacity of the detention facility may occasionally be insufficient, authorities expect individuals to stay there for a brief period before being deported.
Background on Detention Centres in Maharashtra
The delay in operationalizing the centre was attributed to disagreements between various government departments. The Social Justice and Special Assistance (SJSA) Department had reservations about managing foreign nationals, while police maintained that the detainees were not accused of criminal activities nor under judicial custody. This issue was resolved when the SJSA assumed responsibility for the centre’s management.
In July 2024, the Maharashtra government approved the establishment of two detention centres for illegal foreign nationals: the temporary facility in Bhoiwada with an 80-person capacity, and a permanent centre at Balegaon SRPF grounds in Navi Mumbai with a capacity of 213. While tendering for the Navi Mumbai project has been finalized, it has yet to become operational.
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Contents
Operational Status of the Detention CentreNearly two years after its proposal, Mumbai’s first detention centre for illegal foreign nationals has commenced operations. Located in Bhoiwada, the facility began functioning two weeks ago and currently accommodates around 40 Bangladeshi nationals awaiting deportation.The Indian Express previously reported last month that the centre had remained unused due to bureaucratic hurdles regarding its management, leading to challenges for police in accommodating detainees without criminal charges. In 2025, Mumbai police detained and deported 1,058 Bangladeshi nationals, many of whom had been temporarily housed in police station rooms pending deportation.Facility DetailsThe detention centre, which can house up to 80 individuals, was officially made operational on March 26. It is managed by the Social Welfare Department, with security provided by the Maharashtra State Security Force. The two-storey structure includes 20 rooms, each equipped with two bunk beds on either side, designed to accommodate both male and female detainees.According to a senior officer, the 40 individuals currently at the centre will remain there until arrangements for transportation to the Indo-Bangla border for deportation are made. A police guard from the Local Arms Division is stationed outside the building. The facility has been organized into male and female sections, providing space for 60 men and 20 women, with necessary facilities including food, bathrooms, and bunk beds.Challenges and AdjustmentsDespite its operational status, the centre faces some challenges. An officer mentioned that the initial assumption about the gender ratio of detainees led to a skewed division of space, resulting in the female section reaching its full capacity. Consequently, some women have had to be accommodated in police stations. Officers indicated they would approach the Social Welfare Department to implement necessary changes to address this issue.As of the end of March this year, nearly 400 Bangladeshi nationals have been detained, with 220 by the Mumbai police and 180 by other units. While the capacity of the detention facility may occasionally be insufficient, authorities expect individuals to stay there for a brief period before being deported.Background on Detention Centres in MaharashtraThe delay in operationalizing the centre was attributed to disagreements between various government departments. The Social Justice and Special Assistance (SJSA) Department had reservations about managing foreign nationals, while police maintained that the detainees were not accused of criminal activities nor under judicial custody. This issue was resolved when the SJSA assumed responsibility for the centre’s management.In July 2024, the Maharashtra government approved the establishment of two detention centres for illegal foreign nationals: the temporary facility in Bhoiwada with an 80-person capacity, and a permanent centre at Balegaon SRPF grounds in Navi Mumbai with a capacity of 213. While tendering for the Navi Mumbai project has been finalized, it has yet to become operational.
