Australia passes law to speed deportation of non-citizens to Nauru

4/9/2025 15:58

Australia on Thursday passed a law allowing faster deportation of non-citizens to third countries, paving the way to send hundreds of refugees denied visas because of criminal convictions to the tiny Pacific island of Nauru.



Under a 30-year deal signed with Nauru last Friday, Australia has agreed to pay A$2.5 billion to host up to 350 deportees, with an upfront A$400 million to establish an endowment fund for the resettlement scheme, plus A$70 million annually.



On Nauru, population 12,000, business owners and community workers who spoke to Reuters by telephone said they had mixed feelings about several hundred people with criminal records being resettled on the 21 square km island which has poor health facilities and infrastructure.



"It is an easy money grab," said one business owner, declining to give his name because of Nauru government's sensitivity to criticism over the deal. He hoped the money could build the economy.



"We've had all sorts of people come through here, from war-torn countries or poverty. Locals are robust," he added.