• Australia has signed an agreement with Nauru to deport hundreds of immigrants.
• The deal affects over 220 immigrants, including some with serious criminal convictions.
• Australia will pay Nauru $267 million upfront, with annual payments thereafter.
• Critics argue the agreement could lead to mass deportations without adequate notice.

Australia has entered a memorandum of understanding with Nauru, allowing it to deport over 220 immigrants, a significant number of whom are convicted of serious crimes. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke signed this agreement during a visit to Nauru, stating it ensures the "proper treatment and long-term residence" of these immigrants, who lack legal rights to remain in Australia, according to South China Morning Post, India Times, Los Angeles Times, and Dawn.

Financial details indicate that Australia will provide Nauru A$267 million (approximately US$267 million) upfront, followed by annual payments of A$70 million (around US$45.8 million), as part of this deal. Burke emphasized that the agreement is essential for maintaining a functioning visa system, asserting, "Anyone who doesn’t have a valid visa should leave the country," according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

The Australian High Court ruled in 2023 that indefinite detention is unlawful if deportation options are unavailable, prompting the release of over 220 individuals. Currently, the number of immigrants facing similar circumstances exceeds 350, a situation exacerbated by ongoing legal challenges in previous transfers to Nauru, reports Los Angeles Times and Dawn.

This agreement has drawn sharp criticism from refugee advocates who allege it could facilitate mass deportations devoid of procedural fairness. Jana Favero, deputy chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Center, condemned the deal as "discriminatory, disgraceful, and dangerous," reflecting a broader concern regarding human rights violations associated with deportations to Nauru, according to Los Angeles Times and Dawn.