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What in the World
Why is Australia deporting people to one of the world’s smallest countries?
What in the World
Nov 3, 2025

Nauru is the third smallest country in the world. It’s located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean and is home to around 12-thousand people. The tiny island has recently received its first transfer of foreign detainees from Australia - following a controversial deal between the two nations. The deal was struck after Australia's top court ruled that it could not indefinitely detain about 358 people, the bulk of whom have been convicted of crimes, forcing their release into the community. The BBC’s Katy Watson is based in Sydney. She breaks down what we need to know about this deal, and what it says about Australia’s migration policy.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

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Why is Australia deporting people to one of the world’s smallest countries?

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