📍 Canberra, Australia — The Australian government has entered into a $1.6 billion agreement with the Pacific island nation of Nauru to resettle up to 354 individuals deemed to have “no legal right to remain in Australia.” The deal marks a renewed phase in Australia’s controversial offshore migration policy.
Under the arrangement, Nauru will receive an initial payment of AU$408 million, followed by annual payments of approximately AU$70 million over the next three decades. The individuals targeted for resettlement include former detainees released after a 2023 High Court ruling that indefinite detention was unlawful when deportation was not possible.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated the memorandum ensures “proper treatment and long-term residence” for those affected. However, immigration officials confirmed that Nauru retains final discretion over who will be accepted, and not all 354 individuals are guaranteed relocation.
Critics, including human rights advocates, have condemned the deal as opaque and discriminatory, warning that its broad terms could enable mass deportations beyond the stated figure. Nauru’s President David Adeang defended the agreement, citing its potential to support the island’s economic resilience.
If the terms of the deal are strictly adhered to and only those who have exhausted all legal means and has no legal rights are moved to Nauru, then it is a better deal than what other faith might await them if out -rightly deported, relocation to Nauru might trigger a future revisit of individual cases which could result in a favorable outcome for some of those involved.
The deal revives offshore resettlement practices that had been scaled back in recent years, raising fresh debate over Australia’s approach to immigration and human rights.
You can read more in Al Jazeera’s full report on the agreement.
Parliament House, Canberra, Australia picture by Mark Pegrum
