The Albanese government has agreed to pay Nauru more than $408 million to resettle over 350 non-citizens affected by the High Court’s landmark NZYQ ruling, which found indefinite immigration detention unlawful for those with no realistic prospect of deportation.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke signed the memorandum of understanding during an unannounced visit to Nauru, alongside President David Adeang. The agreement includes an ongoing commitment of nearly $70 million annually to cover resettlement costs and support Nauru’s long-term economic stability.
The group many with prior criminal convictions had been held in detention before their release following the 2023 decision. Some have reoffended since. Under the deal, Nauru will provide long-term residence for people with no legal right to remain in Australia, with discussions also covering the possibility of granting further visas to similar cases in the future.
Burke reiterated that “anyone who doesn’t have a valid visa should leave the country,” calling it a core principle of the visa system.
Lawyers and refugee advocates have criticized the arrangement, raising concerns over transparency and the lack of public disclosure before the agreement was signed.
+ There are no comments
Add yours