A new deal to deport three former immigration detainees in Nauru has faced backlash from human rights groups for undermining a 2023 High Court ruling that found immigration detention to be unlawful where there is no real prospect of the person’s removal from Australia becoming practicable.

The three to be deported are part of the NZYQ cohort who were released into the community following the court’s decision.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the three non-citizens hold violent criminal records and will acquire long-term resettlement visas, and are believed to be held in Nauru for 30 years.

Image: Image: Shutterstock Robert Szymanski

Produced By: Michaela Cullen

Featured In Story: Jana Favero – Deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 19 February 2025