Key Brief From Supplementary Estimates Hearing - IG-08: Third Country Reception Arrangement, Dated October 2025 ​

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Australia has formalized a Third Country Reception Arrangement with Nauru through a Memorandum of Understanding signed 29 August 2025 to facilitate removal of non-citizens with no legal right to remain in Australia who cannot be returned to their home countries. The arrangement commits Australia to an initial $408 million investment upon the first person's arrival, comprising $388 million deposited in a new trust fund for Nauru's economic resilience and $70 million annually thereafter (dependent on settlement numbers) for ongoing operational costs. Individuals removed under this scheme will receive 30-year long-term stay visas issued by Nauru and provided housing, healthcare, and settlement support. The arrangement includes exit mechanisms allowing Australia to withdraw and recover trust funds if primary objectives cannot be achieved. This builds on an earlier interim agreement under which three non-citizens were previously granted long-term visas by Nauru. Clare Sharp, Head of Immigration, led brief