A $267 million (₹2,216 crore) deportation deal has been finalized between Australia and Nauru, targeting non-visa holders. Under the agreement, Australia will deport individuals without valid visas to Nauru. Nauru will receive an initial payment of ₹2,216 crore upon the initial transfer of deportees, with subsequent annual payments of ₹381 crore to facilitate resettlement.
The agreement has led to immediate protests and criticism. Human rights organizations are particularly concerned, fearing that the deal will lead to large-scale deportations and potential breaches of international law.
Nauru, a small island nation situated in the South Pacific Ocean, has a land area of merely 21 square kilometers. It is the third smallest country globally, only larger than Vatican City and Monaco.
David Shoebridge, a senator from the Green Party, has accused the government of coercing smaller neighboring countries into becoming ’21st-century prison colonies’.
The agreement extends to include the deportation of violent criminals. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that individuals without the right to remain in Australia will receive long-term care and accommodation in Nauru. In February, an earlier agreement allowed for the return of three violent offenders to Nauru. Burke emphasized the need for those without valid visas to depart the country.
In 2023, the Australian High Court invalidated the government’s approach of indefinite detention for immigrants who were unable to obtain visas or be deported due to potential risks in their home countries.
The agreement has been strongly condemned. Jana Favero, the Deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, has criticized it as discriminatory, shameful, and dangerous, arguing that it contradicts the national preference for unity and the rejection of fear. Favero also stated that instead of providing leadership, the Prime Minister is ‘attacking’ migrants and refugees, essentially punishing people based on their birthplace.