Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre
The temporary immigration detention facility at Phosphate Hill was opened in 2001.
In 2008 the department took possession of the purpose-built Christmas Island immigration detention centre.
Accommodation and facilities
There is a range of immigration detention facilities on Christmas Island which provide flexibility to respond to the individual needs of irregular maritime arrivals.
The Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) is located at North West Point, about 17 kilometres from the main settlement on Christmas Island.
The Christmas Island IDC has permanent, purpose built facilities including accommodation compounds, medical centre and first-aid rooms, commercial kitchen, laundry, educational and recreational facilities and a range of sporting facilities.
The Christmas Island IDC has a regular use capacity of 400 adults. Recently the contingency capacity has been increased to give a total capacity of 1 116 people.
Accommodation options outside the IDC
Phosphate Hill
The Phosphate Hill temporary immigration detention facility was opened in 2001 and is located about 5 kilometres from the settled areas of Christmas Island, adjacent to community recreation facilities. This complex provides accommodation units, medical facility, gymnasium, classroom, recreational facilities and commercial kitchen.
Accommodation units in areas in the Alpha and Charlie compounds are suitable for single women, unaccompanied minors, families, or vulnerable clients. The area has capacity for up to 150 people depending on family composition.
A separate fenced area around the Bravo compound is available, to accommodate up to 168 adults.
Construction Camp
Located adjacent to the Phosphate Hill facility, the Construction Camp has demountable style accommodation with a medical area, gymnasium, recreational areas and commercial kitchen. The facility has the capacity of up to 310 people, and is suitable for accommodating single women, unaccompanied minors, families, or vulnerable clients.
Capacity
Information on accommodation capacity at immigration detention facilities is available on the department's website.
See: Accommodation Capacity
Contact details
Contact details and visiting hours information is available on the department's website.
See: Contact Details for the Christmas Island Immigration Detention Facility