Accommodation at the Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre

Christmas Island immigration detention centre

Christmas Island has a range of immigration detention facilities 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 capacity of 400 adults in normal operating conditions.  If required, due to a surge in irregular maritime arrivals, approximately 400 additional adults could be accommodated at the Christmas Island IDC for a short time.

Accommodation at the temporary Phosphate Hill immigration detention facility

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 unfenced areas are now suitable for children, their families, or other low-risk groups.  The area has capacity for up to approximately 190 depending on family composition.

A separate fenced compound is available, if required, to accommodate up to 50 adults assessed as being higher risk.