Agreement Secured for $450 Million Deportation Contract Between Australia and Nauru

In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, the Australian government has signed an agreement with the republic of Nauru to deport former detainees without a valid visa. This decision comes after a visit by Australia's Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, to Nauru.

The legislation, introduced by Minister Burke, aims to bypass the right to a fair hearing in cases where there is a third country arrangement for deportation. However, it is important to note that this legislation does not remove procedural fairness from the visa cancellation or refusal processes, but is focused on the final steps in the removal process.

Under the terms of the agreement, Australia will pay Nauru AU$408 million up front and AU$70 million annually for the resettlement of the affected individuals. Nauru, in turn, will grant long-term visas to the cohort, potentially allowing Australia to circumvent a High Court ruling on immigration detention.

The agreement, which targets the NZYQ cohort specifically, has been met with strong criticism from human rights organizations. Jana Favero, deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, described the deal as discriminatory, disgraceful, and dangerous, punishing people simply because of where they were born. Bethany Rose from the Visa Cancellations Working Group also expressed concern, stating that the government is dismantling key legal and accountability protections.

The United Nations special rapporteur has previously found "systematic violations" of the International Convention Against Torture in relation to Nauru. This, coupled with reports of protests against the deportation of people to Nauru, has added to the growing concern over the agreement.

The bill introduced by Tony Burke was presented in the Australian Parliament, located in Canberra. The legislation comes after a legal challenge halted the deportation of three people to Nauru in February. It is unclear at this time how many people will be affected by the agreement, but the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre claims it could be as many as 80,000 people.

Rose, from the Visa Cancellations Working Group, argues that the people affected by the deportation have served their time and restarted their lives in the community after years of indefinite detention. She emphasizes the need for a fair and just approach to immigration policy, one that respects the human rights and dignity of all individuals involved.

The agreement between Australia and Nauru includes provisions for budget support, policing, and a veto of security and critical infrastructure agreements with third countries. This raises further questions about the broader implications of the deal and the potential impact on Australia's international relationships.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that this agreement has sparked significant controversy and concern. The Australian government will need to address these concerns and ensure that any actions taken are in line with international human rights standards and the principles of natural justice.

Agreement Secured for $450 Million Deportation Contract Between Australia and Nauru