Law enacted in Australia expedites removal of non-nationals to Nauru island for processing
In a recent development, Australia has agreed to a 30-year contract with Nauru to host up to 350 refugees, with the Australian government set to pay A$2.5 billion over the duration of the agreement. However, the news has sparked mixed feelings among the Nauruan community.
Under the new law, Australia will commence the visa application process for the deportees "commencing fairly soon." The law, however, removes procedural fairness for those being deported to a third country, limiting their ability to appeal through the courts.
Some Nauruan business owners and community workers have expressed mixed feelings about the resettlement. One business owner described the deal as an "easy money grab," hoping the money could build the economy. Another businessman shared a similar sentiment, expressing a mixed emotional reaction on social media.
The law does not specify the exact number of people to be deported to Nauru. This uncertainty has been a source of concern for some, particularly those who worry about the island's poor health facilities and infrastructure. The hospital and other infrastructure on the island are in disrepair, and locals often travel overseas for health services. The new law has not addressed these concerns.
Human Rights Watch has criticized the law, noting that asylum seekers previously transferred to Nauru by Australia had suffered medical neglect. Greens Senator David Shoebridge has also criticized the new Australian law, calling it a "dumping ground" for deportees.
Australia's parliament has criticized the government for treating Nauru as a "tiny island with almost no economy." Despite Australia spending hundreds of millions of dollars on offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru over the past decade, the money has not benefited local people, according to some Nauruans.
An upfront payment of A$400 million will be used to establish an endowment fund for the resettlement scheme, and A$70 million will be paid annually. Nauru will decide which non-citizens it will accept, but Australia can claw back funds if the scheme doesn't meet expectations.
The resettlement has generated a variety of reactions on social media, with people waiting to see who comes. However, the general sentiment seems to be one of cautious optimism, tempered by concerns about the island's capacity to accommodate and care for the new arrivals.
As the visa application process begins, the Nauruan community and the international community watch closely, hoping for a positive outcome for all involved.
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