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 to 31 May 2026.
During this reporting period:
- Australian authorities successfully resolved one maritime people smuggling venture targeting Australia under the OSB framework.
- No persons were returned to their country of origin or departure, consistent with Australia’s protection obligations.
- Eight (8) UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country.
- 0 UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country, returning after a temporary purpose in Australia.
- Less than five UMAs were transferred from a regional processing country to Australia for a temporary purpose or as accompanying family.
- Eight (8) UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country.
- 0 UMAs were voluntarily returned to their country of origin from Australia and less than five UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia.
- Five (5) UMAs were resettled in a third country (Five from the cohort temporarily in Australia and 0 direct from Nauru).
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.
/Public Release. View in full here.
