Maharashtra targets illegal Bangladeshi workers with developers

The government of Maharashtra is taking action against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. In a recent assembly session, the minister of state for home, Yogesh Kadam, said that developers and contractors in Mumbai must confirm they do not hire illegal migrants. Since January 2023, authorities have arrested 2,935 illegal Bangladeshis in the state, and 587 have been deported. Kadam provided statistics showing the increasing number of arrests in recent years. In 2021, there were 192 arrests, which grew to 716 in 2024. Mumbai legislators raised concerns about illegal immigrants, saying they are often employed by food delivery services and live in slums without proper checks. They called for more police action to find and remove these individuals. Kadam reassured them that police are already responding to tips and information. Kadam also explained that it is difficult to deport illegal migrants unless they are convicted. Many have documents issued by the West Bengal government, complicating legal procedures. The state is seeking help from the central government to make deportation laws stricter. To help manage the situation, a new detention center is being built in Navi Mumbai. This facility will hold 213 people. Additionally, a temporary detention center in central Mumbai will open soon, accommodating 80 people.