Australia is already in the process of transferring convicted Australian criminals to Nauru. As the first of the New Zealand Youth Quota (NZYQ) cohort has discovered, one full cycle of application and acceptance is far from the end. In a Facebook post, Nauruan President David Adeang congratulated the deportee on their arrival. This comes on the heels of a repressive secret deal between Australia and Nauru that has led to intense criticism from various human rights organizations.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the successful transfer on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Friday morning. He argued that Nauru had finally ratified the first deportation. This emerging policy comes on the heels of a 2023 High Court ruling. As a result, some 358 of these former detainees have been released, unconditionally, into the Australian community. The vast majority of these people had their visas cancelled on character grounds, mostly for criminal convictions.
Financial Aspects of the Agreement
In fact, Australia’s deal with Nauru involves well over half a billion dollars. Once the first deportee arrives, Australia will have paid Nauru $408 million. This payment involves $20 million to reimburse new Nauruan government for its initial establishment costs. The other $388 million would be plugged into a long-term trust, jointly managed by both countries. Remarkably, this agreement gives Nauru free access to the interest earned by the trust from the start.
With Australia pledging a floor of $70 million annually, this means Australia’s GCF contributions could total significantly more. This figure will vary according to how many people are moved to Nauru under the arrangement. If they are implemented to the letter, the deal will see Australia invest more than $2.5 billion over the next 30 years. This collective project seeks to support deportees’ reintegration into Nauruan society.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights lawyers and advocates are vehemently criticizing the deportation scheme. They caution that it risks breaching Australia’s human rights commitments. Foes point to ethical concerns related to the move of those with criminal convictions. They highlight issues with the treatment and assimilation of these people into their new communities.
This commitment quite rightly bytes Minister Burke’s strong defence of the initiative here. He claimed, “When we cancel somebody’s visa, they should depart,” and added, “Cancelling a visa needs to imply one thing.” Critics are still unconvinced about the impacts of these type of reforms on human rights and the wellbeing of Nauru’s citizens.
In a statement to the Guardian, a spokesperson for the Nauruan government responded to these charges. They promised, “These resettled individuals will experience freedom of movement, non-discrimination and equal access to basic services as per Nauru’s global commitments and human rights obligations.” This ambiguous statement does little to assure critics of the fairness and humanity that deportees will be afforded.
The Future of NZYQ Cohort Members
The agreement signed today allows members of the NZYQ cohort to receive a 30-year visa. This visa would enable them to establish their lives and maintain their livelihoods as members of Nauru’s resident community. This visa provides them the flexibility to exit and re-enter Nauru while it remains valid. The Australian government hoped to create smoother transitions for people at risk of deportation with this new settlement. What’s a great idea on paper might not work as intended on real streets.
As the process unfolds, additional deportations are anticipated, continuing to place pressure on both governments regarding the management of this cohort. The conversation around human rights and ethical implications are only going to increase. As more people are moved under this problematic agreement, the discussion will heat up.
