UPDATE: The Australian government has just finalized a controversial $408 million deal with Nauru to resettle hundreds of criminals from the NZYQ cohort. Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke and Nauru’s President David Adeang signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday, marking a significant and secretive move in Australia’s immigration policy.
This urgent agreement comes amid rising public safety concerns, as nearly 150 detainees with serious criminal records—some convicted of murder and sexual assault—were released from detention earlier this month. The MoU stipulates an upfront payment of $408 million, along with an additional $70 million annually to cover resettlement costs.
Minister Burke’s visit to Nauru was kept under wraps, with the announcement posted quietly on the Home Affairs website instead of through traditional press channels. This secrecy has drawn criticism, but officials assert that the arrangement is necessary to manage a group of individuals who do not have the right to remain in Australia.
Cabinet Minister Murray Watt defended the deal, emphasizing that Australia has the right to remove individuals who are not permitted to stay. “Nauru is an independent sovereign nation. It can make its own decisions about what it wants to do,” he stated. “This agreement resolves a complex issue that has challenged governments from both sides of the aisle.”
The NZYQ cohort consists of detainees whose visas were canceled due to criminal convictions or other issues but cannot be deported to their home countries due to risks of harm or lack of acceptance. Following a High Court ruling in late 2023, the cohort was released onto bridging visas, raising serious public safety alarms as nearly 350 individuals are now in this group, comprising 2.9 percent of Nauru’s total population.
While it remains unclear how many individuals will ultimately be resettled in Nauru, reports suggest that hundreds are expected to be sent to the Pacific nation. Fellow Minister Amanda Rishworth downplayed concerns over the deal’s secrecy, reiterating the government’s commitment to resolving immigration issues swiftly. “It’s important that they leave as soon as possible. That’s critically important,” she said.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the implementation of this agreement and its impact on both Australian and Nauruan communities. With public pressure mounting, the government is under scrutiny to ensure that safety and humanitarian considerations are balanced in their approach.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as it unfolds.
