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Operation Sovereign Borders Monthly Update: July 2025

Operation Sovereign Borders 29/08/2025
This statement provides an update on Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB) activities related to the reception and processing of unauthorised maritime arrivals (UMAs).


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 July 2025 to 31 July 2025.

During this reporting period:

  • Australian authorities successfully resolved three maritime people smuggling ventures targeting Australia under the OSB framework.
  • 37 persons were safely returned to their country of origin, consistent with Australia's protection obligations.
  • 11 UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country;
  • Less than five UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country, returning after a temporary purpose in Australia;
  • Less than five 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 less than five UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia;
  • Seven (7) UMAs were resettled in a third country (Seven (7) from the cohort temporarily in Australia and 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.