Australia has struck a deportation deal with Nauru, valued at $267 million (₹2,216 crore). The agreement will see Australia deporting non-visa holders to Nauru. Nauru will receive ₹2,216 crore upon the arrival of the first group of deportees, followed by annual payments of ₹381 crore for resettlement.
The announcement has drawn criticism and protests centered on human rights concerns. Human rights groups warn that the deal may result in mass deportations, which would breach international law.
Nauru, a small island country in the South Pacific Ocean, has a land area of just 21 square kilometers, making it the third smallest country in the world, only bigger than Vatican City and Monaco.
Green Party Senator David Shoebridge has stated that the government is ‘forcing’ its smaller neighbors into becoming ’21st century prison colonies’.
The deal also covers the deportation of violent criminals. The Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, mentioned that those lacking the right to remain in Australia will be provided with long-term living arrangements and appropriate care in Nauru. A previous agreement in February allowed Australia to send three violent criminals back to Nauru. Burke has reiterated that any individual without a valid visa must leave the country.
In 2023, the Australian High Court overturned the government’s policy on indefinite detention for immigrants who could not obtain visas or be deported due to facing potential harm in their home countries.
Deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Jana Favero, has criticized the deal, calling it discriminatory, shameful, and dangerous. She indicated that the agreement contradicts the national sentiment of unity and courage, highlighting that the Prime Minister, instead of leading, is attacking migrants and refugees, punishing some based solely on their country of origin.
