This statement provides an update on Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB) activities related to the reception and processing of unauthorised maritime arrivals (UMAs)*.
The reporting period is from 01 December 2025 to 31 December 2025.
During this reporting period:
- Australian authorities successfully resolved four (4) maritime people smuggling venture targeting Australia under the OSB framework.
- Zero (0) potential irregular immigrants and crew were turned back to their country of departure, consistent with Australia's protection obligations.
- 26 potential irregular immigrants were returned to their country of origin, consistent with Australia's protection obligations.
- Eight (8) UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country.
- No UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country, returning after a temporary purpose in Australia.
- No UMAs were transferred from a regional processing country to Australia for a temporary purpose or as accompanying family.
- Five (5) UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country.
- Seven (7) UMAs were voluntarily returned to their country of origin from Australia and no UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia.
- No UMAs were resettled in a third country (none from the cohort temporarily in Australia and none direct from Nauru).
The processing of UMA protection claims is a matter for the Government of Nauru.
*These statistics reference UMAs who arrived on or after 19 July 2013.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
