Nearly two years after its proposal, Mumbai’s first detention centre for illegal foreign nationals is now operational. Located in Bhoiwada, this facility began functioning two weeks ago and currently accommodates approximately 40 Bangladeshi individuals awaiting deportation.
Mumbai’s First Detention Centre for Illegal Foreign Nationals
The detention centre was launched on March 26, 2026, but its operation had been delayed due to bureaucratic challenges. Previously, police officers struggled to house detainees in appropriate settings, as many could not be placed in jails due to the absence of criminal charges.
Facility Features and Capacity
The newly established centre has the capacity to hold up to 80 individuals. Managed by the Social Justice and Special Assistance (SJSA) department, it contains:
- Two floors with 20 rooms
- Two bunk beds in each room
- Dedicated spaces for males and females
Of the 80 spots, the centre is designed to house 60 men and 20 women. However, due to an unexpected increase in female detainees, the female section quickly reached its limit, necessitating temporary accommodations in nearby police stations.
Operational Challenges
Despite providing essential facilities such as food and bathrooms, the centre faces operational challenges. Authorities recognized the imbalance in space allocation as more women than anticipated were detained. Adjustments are being considered to address this issue.
In 2025, a total of 1,058 Bangladeshi nationals were detained and deported. As of the end of March 2026, approximately 400 individuals had been detained, with 220 by Mumbai police and 180 by other enforcement units. While officials acknowledge that the centre’s capacity might sometimes be insufficient, they believe that short stays will not pose significant issues.
Background of the Detention Centre
The operationalization delay stemmed from disputes between various departments. The SJSA was hesitant about handling foreign nationals due to complexities, while police argued the detainees were not in criminal custody. The concerns were eventually resolved, allowing the SJSA to manage the facility.
In July 2024, the Maharashtra government approved two detention centres for illegal foreign nationals: the temporary one in Bhoiwada with 80 spots and a permanent facility in Balegaon SRPF grounds, Navi Mumbai, which will accommodate 213 individuals. Although the Navi Mumbai centre has reached the tendering phase, it is not yet operational.
