Mumbai is facing rising pressure due to undocumented migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar, according to a new research study. The study says the city’s infrastructure and services are under growing strain as migrant numbers increase in several areas.
The research, titled Illegal Immigration to Mumbai: An Analysis of Socio-Economic and Political Consequences, was conducted by Souvik Mondal, assistant professor at Galgotias University, and Professor Medha Tapiawala from the Mumbai School of Economics and Public Policy.
The findings are based on qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and a survey carried out between July 2024 and July 2025. The survey covered 3,014 respondents living in migrant-dominated neighbourhoods.
Undocumented Migrants:
The study states that documented migrants are 43 per cent of Mumbai’s migrant population and have contributed to economic growth. At the same time, the report highlights many challenges linked to undocumented migrants. It notes that housing, transport, and healthcare systems are facing heavy pressure due to population growth.
Among the undocumented migrants surveyed, 67 per cent were men and 33 per cent were women. This points to a migration flow led mainly by men and driven largely by the search for work. More than 96 per cent of respondents identified as Muslim. The study also found high levels of illiteracy, with 41.6 per cent of respondents unable to read or write.
The research defines undocumented migrants as those who:
- Entered the informal labour market
- Overstayed valid visas
- Crossed borders without authorisation
City Under Demographic Pressure
Dense clusters of undocumented migrants were identified in areas such as Govandi, Kurla, Mankhurd, Cheeta Camp, Versova, and parts of Bandra East. Most residents in these pockets speak Bengali. The study says these areas suffer from weak infrastructure and face environmental stress.
Overcrowding is common in these settlements. On average, three people share a single room. This has placed extra pressure on public healthcare facilities. The report notes a higher risk of disease spread, especially among children and elderly residents.
The study also highlights environmental damage. Large sections of mangroves in these areas have been cleared to make way for settlements and basic infrastructure. The report says Mumbai’s demand for cheap labour attracts undocumented migrants, most of whom are unskilled workers.
This has increased competition in the low-wage job market. The study reports that wages of low-skilled local workers are under pressure due to job displacement. It also notes that nearly 40 per cent of undocumented migrants surveyed send money outside India as remittances.
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