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 September 2025 to 30 September 2025.
During this reporting period:
- Australian authorities successfully resolved two maritime people smuggling ventures targeting Australia under the OSB framework
- 17 persons were safely returned to their country of origin, consistent with Australia's protection obligations.
- Less than five 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;
- Eleven (11) UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country;
- No UMAs were voluntarily returned to their country of origin from Australia and no UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia;
- Less than five UMAs were resettled in a third country (less than five 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 enquiries: media@abf.gov.au
