Sara, an Australian woman, is pleading with authorities to stop her father's deportation to Nauru, a Pacific island nation. Her father is among more than 350 individuals known as the NZYQ cohort, whose visas were cancelled on character grounds but who cannot be deported to their countries of origin. He was released from onshore immigration detention after Australia's high court ruled indefinite detention unlawful in 2023.
Last year, the Australian government signed a secretive deal to deport members of this group to Nauru on 30-year visas. Sara fears her father could be next, describing Nauru as a place of 'final and lifelong punishment'. She spoke to Nour Haydar about her concerns.
The case highlights ongoing tensions around Australia's immigration policies, particularly regarding individuals deemed a risk but who cannot be returned to their home countries. Sara's plea comes as the government faces scrutiny over the Nauru deal, which has been criticised by human rights groups.
