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 January 2026 to 31 January 2026.
During this reporting period:
- Australian authorities successfully resolved two (2) maritime people smuggling ventures targeting Australia under the OSB framework.
- Nine (9) UMAs were returned to their country of origin, consistent with Australia's protection obligations.
- Eight (8) UMAs were transferred to a regional processing country.
- Zero (0) UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country, returning after a temporary purpose in Australia.
- Zero (0) UMAs were transferred from a regional processing country to Australia for a temporary purpose or as accompanying family.
- Zero (0) UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country.
- Zero (0) UMAs were voluntarily returned to their country of origin from Australia and Zero (0) UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia.
- 12 UMAs were resettled in a third country (12 from the cohort temporarily in Australia and zero (0) 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.
