Operation Sovereign Borders Monthly Update 29 May

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 30 April 2026.

During this reporting period:

  • Australian authorities successfully resolved five maritime people smuggling venture targeting Australia under the OSB framework.
  • 23 UMAs were returned to their country of origin, consistent with Australia’s protection obligations.
  • Nine UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country.
  • No UMAs were transferred from Australia to a regional processing country, returning after a temporary purpose in Australia.
  • No UMAs were transferred from a regional processing country to Australia for a temporary purpose or as accompanying family.
  • Seven UMAs voluntarily returned to their country of origin from a regional processing country.
  • No UMAs were voluntarily returned to their country of origin from Australia and no UMAs were involuntarily removed to their country of origin from Australia.
  • Ten UMAs were resettled in a third country (10 from the cohort temporarily in Australia and zero 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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