Operation Sovereign Borders Monthly Update 29 August

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 July 2025 to 31 July 2025.

During this reporting period:

  • Australian authorities successfully resolved three maritime people smuggling ventures targeting Australia under the OSB framework.
  • 37 persons were safely returned to their country of origin, consistent with Australia’s protection obligations.
  • 11 UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country;
  • Less than five 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;
  • Zero (0) UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country;
  • Zero (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;
  • Seven (7) UMAs were resettled in a third country (Seven (7) 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.

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