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 January 2023 to 31 January 2023.
During this reporting period:
Australian authorities turned back one irregular maritime venture containing 10 people to their country of departure, consistent with Australia’s protection obligations.
No UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country, either as new arrivals or returning after temporary purpose in Australia;
Fewer than five UMAs were transferred from a regional processing country to Australia for a temporary purpose or as accompanying family;
No UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country;
No UMAs were voluntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia and no UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia;
12 UMAs were resettled in a third country (fewer than 10 from the cohort temporarily in Australia and fewer than five direct from Nauru).
UMAs under regional processing arrangements in Nauru are not in detention; all persons reside in community accommodation, with no restrictions on their movement. 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.
