First Deportation Under New Agreement Confirmed
The first individual from Australia's NZYQ cohort has arrived in Nauru, marking the activation of a significant $2.5 billion, 30-year agreement between Australia and the Pacific island nation. Nauru President David Adeang confirmed the arrival on Friday, October 25, 2025, with Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke providing official confirmation on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Minister Burke stated that 'When someone's visa is cancelled, they should leave,' underscoring the Australian government's position on the matter. The identity and specific circumstances of the deported individual have not been disclosed.
Context of the NZYQ Cohort and High Court Ruling
The deportation stems from a landmark High Court of Australia ruling in November 2023, known as NZYQ v Minister for Immigration. This decision found that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful if there was no 'real prospect of removal from Australia in the reasonably foreseeable future.' The ruling led to the release of approximately 149 to 358 individuals from immigration detention into the Australian community.
Many members of the NZYQ cohort had their visas cancelled on character grounds, often due to criminal convictions, and were unable to be deported to their countries of origin due to various factors, including statelessness or protection obligations.
Financial Details of the Australia-Nauru Agreement
The agreement between Australia and Nauru is projected to cost Australian taxpayers up to $2.5 billion over its 30-year duration. The arrival of the first deportee triggered an initial payment of $408 million. This sum includes $20 million allocated directly to Nauru's government for setup costs and $388 million deposited into a jointly managed trust fund. Additionally, Nauru is set to receive up to $70 million annually, depending on the number of individuals transferred.
Under the terms of the arrangement, deportees will be granted 30-year visas, allowing them to reside, work, and travel freely within Nauru, which has a population of approximately 12,000 people. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has stated that he personally inspected the accommodation and health facilities on Nauru, assuring the public of their good standard.
Criticism and Human Rights Concerns
The agreement has faced significant criticism from various human rights organizations, refugee advocates, and political groups, including the Greens. Concerns have been raised regarding the transparency of the deal, with its precise terms largely kept secret under a public interest immunity claim. Critics argue that the arrangement raises 'serious human rights concerns' and represents an outsourcing of Australia's responsibilities.
Nauru has a long history of hosting Australian offshore processing centers, having accepted aid from Australia in exchange for this role since 2001, leading to its economic reliance on Australia. This latest development marks a new chapter in Australia's controversial offshore processing policy.
5 Comments
Leonardo
Absolute disgrace! $2.5 billion to dump people on a tiny island? Unethical and wasteful.
Michelangelo
The High Court ruling created a challenge, but committing billions to Nauru seems like an overly expensive and potentially unsustainable long-term strategy for a small population.
Leonardo
Excellent news. A clear message that our borders and laws will be respected.
Michelangelo
Minister Burke assures us of good facilities, but relying on a tiny nation for 30 years of resettlement without robust independent oversight feels like a recipe for future human rights issues.
Leonardo
While border integrity is important, sending people to Nauru for 30 years raises serious ethical questions about long-term human dignity, regardless of past actions.