Immigration transit accommodation
BITA and MITA
Located in Brisbane and Melbourne respectively, these were designed as short-term places of relatively low security detention for people on an 'immigration pathway', usually meaning near to a resolution of their case, often involving deportation. It is mainly adults held in these facilities and there has been much outrage at unaccompanied children also being detained in these facilities.
The MITA has just been expanded and now has a whole section just for children, in families and unaccompanied.
Detention at the MITA is definitely not 'transit' - some people have been held there for approximately three years.
A baby girl was born into MITA detention on 22 May 2013, we understand there are around 12 other pregnant women detained at the MITA (as of Sept 2013).
On 6 November a baby boy, Farus was born in Brisbane. Controversy unfolded as mother was sent back to BITA whilst baby received medical care in hospital, separation was from day 5-10 of the baby's life.