Offshore processing to continue on Nauru

Asylum seekers who attempt to find refuge in Australia on boats will continue to be refused entry and sent to Nauru into the future.

Australia on Friday signed a new memorandum of understanding with the tiny island nation which began offshore processing in 2012.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the agreement would continue policies that started under Operation Sovereign Borders.

“There is zero chance of settlement in Australia for anyone who arrives illegally by boat,” she said.

“Anyone who attempts an illegal maritime journey to Australia will be turned back, or taken to Nauru for processing. They will never settle in Australia.”

Offshore processing has come under heavy fire from refugee advocates and international human rights groups.

Nauru President Lionel Aingimea said the new agreement created an “enduring form” of offshore processing.

“This takes the regional processing to a new milestone,” he said.

“It is enduring in nature, as such the mechanisms are ready to deal with illegal migrants immediately upon their arrival in Nauru from Australia.”