Mumbai: In an effort to combat illegal foreign nationals in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, announced that developers and contractors must submit declarations affirming they do not employ undocumented Bengali immigrants. This initiative follows a police meeting convened by the Mumbai Home Minister aimed at addressing the issue of illegal residents.
Since January 2023, 2,935 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been detained, with 587 already deported. Historical data reveals a gradual increase in arrests: 192 in 2021, 217 in 2022, and a notable rise to 573 in 2023, alongside significant numbers in 2024.
Kadam reported specific statistics relevant to Mumbai, including 375 Bangladeshi arrests in 2023 and 307 in 2024, with respective deportation figures noted as well. This situation prompted BJP legislators to voice concerns about the presence of these individuals in the workforce, particularly through online food delivery services, and the renting of slum hutments without police verification. Calls for police action were made, framing a need for proactive operations against illegal immigrants rather than waiting for reports.
Moreover, Kadam acknowledged challenges in deportation linked to the procedural requirements for convictions, which are complicated by the lack of collaboration from West Bengal authorities. He emphasized a need for amendments to existing laws to streamline the deportation of illegal residents.
To further address this issue, a detention center with a 213-person capacity is being built in Navi Mumbai, and a temporary facility for 80 individuals will be operational in central Mumbai shortly.
