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 2023 to 30 September 2023.
During this reporting period:
- Australian authorities detected and intercepted 11 UMAs from one venture attempting to reach Australia irregularly.
- The 11 UMAs 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;
- 0 UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country;
- Less than five UMAs were voluntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia and 0 UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia;
- 19 UMAs were resettled in a third country (19 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:
Home Affairs Media: (02) 6264 2211
