During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed, detailing “commitments for the proper treatment and long-term residence of individuals who have no legal right to remain in Australia, to be accommodated in Nauru,” as stated on the Home Affairs website.

Members of NZYQ cohort included in agreement

This decision resulted in the immediate release of approximately 150 immigration detainees, followed by the release of 130 more. Some from the group had serious criminal records, while others were detained due to visa issues.

Tony Burke stated, “anyone without a valid visa should depart the country” in remarks issued with the statement. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Members of the group could not be deported to their home countries as they faced persecution or harm, and no other country would accept them.

“This is a fundamental element of a functioning visa system.”

Government pushing to waive procedural fairness for non-citizens

“These regulations mainly apply to non-citizens who have exhausted all legal means to remain in Australia, leaving removal as the sole option under Australian law,” Burke added.

Earlier this month, the United Nations urged Australia to pause the deportation of one individual from the trio for a human rights investigation into his case.

Greens senator, refugee advocates condemn policy

Shoebridge said Adeang had signalled he wanted to send people forcibly removed from Australia to their countries of origin.

The High Court of Australia ruled that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful in 2023. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“This includes countries like Iran and Afghanistan, where anyone returned may well face a death sentence,” he said.

“These clandestine agreements send a clear signal — in Australia, some individuals face punishment simply based on their place of birth,” stated Jana Favero, deputy chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.