What in the World Why is Australia deporting people to one of the world’s smallest countries?
Nov 3, 2025
Katy Watson, the BBC Australia correspondent based in Sydney, delves into Australia’s controversial decision to deport detainees to Nauru, the world's third smallest country. She explains the High Court ruling that led to this deal and how it reshapes Australia's immigration policy. Katy highlights the limited integration prospects for deportees, the lack of information on their criminal histories, and the domestic criticism surrounding human rights violations. The discussion also touches on the political implications and Australia’s tough stance on migration.
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Tiny Island, Big Policy Move
- Nauru is a tiny island nation of about 11–12,000 people and 21 sq km that depends heavily on Australian aid.
- Australia finalised a deal to send foreign detainees there after its top court limited indefinite detention.
Court Ruling Triggered New Deportation Path
- Australia's High Court ruled it couldn't indefinitely detain people with no realistic removal prospect, affecting ~350 people.
- The government changed the Migration Act to pay third countries to accept deportees as one policy response.
Mixed Criminal Histories, Limited Transparency
- Some deportees have significant criminal histories, including violence, while others had minor or no convictions.
- Many details about specific individuals and crimes remain unclear publicly.