The Australian government has begun deporting convicted criminals to Nauru, with the first member of the NZYQ cohort arriving on the island. Nauruan President David Adeang confirmed the arrival during a parliamentary session on Friday. This development follows an announcement made eight months ago, when the Australian government revealed that Nauru had agreed to accept hundreds of former detainees after a High Court ruling deemed indefinite detention unlawful.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the first transfer has taken place, emphasizing that individuals whose visas are canceled should leave the country. Since the High Court ruling in 2023, approximately 358 former detainees have been released into the Australian community. Most of these individuals had their visas canceled due to criminal convictions.

While some members of the cohort have been re-detained in Australia after receiving visas from Nauru, deportations have faced delays due to legal challenges. Under the new agreement, deportees will receive a 30-year visa, allowing them to live and work in Nauru, which has a population of about 12,000. Burke has personally inspected the accommodations and health facilities available for the deportees, stating, "The standard there is good."

However, the government's deportation plan has drawn criticism from human rights lawyers, advocates, and the Greens, who argue it may violate Australia's human rights obligations.

As part of the agreement, Australia will pay Nauru $408 million upon the arrival of the first deportee. This payment includes $20 million for initial setup costs and $388 million to be placed in a long-term trust managed jointly by both countries. Additionally, Australia will pay up to $70 million annually, depending on the number of individuals transferred to Nauru.

The total cost of the deal is projected to reach $2.5 billion over 30 years, translating to more than $7 million per person if all members of the cohort are transferred. Nauru will benefit from immediate access to the interest generated by the trust.

A spokesperson for the Nauruan government stated that the agreement reflects a commitment to humane and lawful migration management. The statement assured that the deportees would have freedom of movement, equal treatment, and access to essential services in line with Nauru's international obligations.

Burke defended the arrangement, stating that the cancellation of visas must have consequences. He noted that prior to the agreement with Nauru, there was a situation where individuals could remain in Australia despite their criminal records. The deal represents the government's latest effort to address the situation following the High Court ruling, which was prompted by the case of an individual known only as NZYQ. Previous strategies included monitoring the cohort with ankle bracelets and curfews, but these were deemed unfeasible after the court's decision.