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 June 2024 to 30 June 2024.
During this reporting period:
Australian authorities responded to three maritime people smuggling ventures targeting Australia. All three ventures were successfully resolved under the OSB framework.
12 potential irregular immigrants from one venture were safely turned back to their country of departure, consistent with Australia's protection obligations;
37 UMAs from two ventures were safely transferred to a regional processing country consistent with Australia's long standing maritime people smuggling policies.
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;
5 UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country;
5 UMAs were voluntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia and 0 UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia;
15 UMAs were resettled in a third country (15 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.
Media enquiries:
ABF Media: media@abf.gov.au
