The government on Friday said delay in identification of nationality of illegal immigrants by Bangladesh is causing problems in deportation from India but affirmed that with issuance of UID (unique identification card) the country would be able to check illegal immigration.

"Delay in identification of nationality of illegal immigrants by Bangladesh High Commission is causing delay in deportation of illegal immigrants," Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran said in the Rajya Sabha. He said the government has taken up the issue with the Bangladesh government.

Nearly 1.35 lakh people from Bangladesh without valid visa were intercepted since 2001 to June 30 this year, he said, replying to a debate on a private member's bill moved by Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi.

The minister said illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are a "big problem" and government is taking steps to deal with the issue. Ramachandran said after issuance of UID (unique identification card) the country would be able to check illegal immigration.

He said the existing laws to tackle the problem are adequate. The Centre has asked the state government to implement these laws to check the problem, he added.

Earlier, Joshi alleged that illegal immigrants are providing weapons to terrorists carrying out attacks in different cities.  Ravishankar Prasad (BJP) said illegal immigration from Bangladesh is a threat to security, sanctity and defence of the country and should be stopped immediately.

After the assurance given by the Minister, Joshi withdrew the bill which sought to create a national commission for identification and deportation of illegal immigrants in the country.