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 to 31 July 2026.
During this reporting period:
- Australian authorities successfully resolved three maritime people smuggling ventures targeting Australia under the OSB framework.
- Less than five persons were returned to their country of origin or departure, consistent with Australia's protection obligations.
- 14 UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country.
- 0 UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country, returning after a temporary purpose in Australia.
- 0 UMAs were transferred from a regional processing country to Australia for a temporary purpose or as accompanying family.
- Six (6) UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country.
- 0 UMAs were voluntarily returned to their country of origin from Australia and 0 UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia.
- (0) UMAs were resettled in a third country (0) from the cohort temporarily in Australia and 0 direct from the Republic of Naoero.
The processing of UMA protection claims is a matter for the Republic of Naoero.
*These statistics reference UMAs who arrived on or after 19 July 2013.
* Resettlement figures according to operational data as at 6am 1 August 2026.
Media enquiries:
media@abf.gov.au
