Asylum seekers currently held in offshore detention on Nauru report widespread food insecurity and lack of access to clean water, despite the Australian government spending nearly $900 million on the program during the last financial year. According to a survey of 78 asylum seekers by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), almost all respondents reported skipping meals because their $260 fortnightly allowance is insufficient to cover the high cost of living on the island.
Financial Constraints and Living Conditions on Nauru
The Australian government provides a fortnightly stipend of $260 to asylum seekers on Nauru, a figure the Department of Home Affairs states is designed to promote self-sufficiency. However, residents describe a different reality. George, a pseudonym for an asylum seeker who has been on the island for nearly two years, told the ABC that the cost of basic necessities, including fresh produce and meat, is prohibitively high. “Everybody is facing difficulties, and we have a food shortage,” he said. George reported that some resort to consuming discarded food from restaurant bins to survive.
Data from the ASRC indicates that more than three-quarters of those surveyed rarely have access to free, clean drinking water. Because Nauru relies heavily on imported goods, the price of fresh food remains significantly higher than in Australia. Asylum seekers are prohibited from working, and those caught seeking employment face the cancellation of their stipend. Currently, about 100 people remain on the island, primarily from China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Did you know?
Nauru is located approximately 3,000 kilometres north-east of Australia. Because the nation relies almost entirely on imported food, the cost of living for residents and asylum seekers is significantly higher than in mainland Australia.
Legal Obligations and the Future of Offshore Processing
The policy of offshore detention has been a cornerstone of Australian border management since the 2001 Tampa crisis. While successive governments have maintained the regime to deter unauthorized boat arrivals, the legal framework has faced intense scrutiny. In May, a United Nations report cautioned that countries cannot avoid legal responsibility for asylum seekers who arrived on their shores by “contracting out their obligations to other States”. The report explicitly stated that states should prioritize rights-based systems rather than arrangements that create human rights risks.
The Australian government’s stance remains that individuals on Nauru are treated with “respect and dignity” and have access to health and welfare services. A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs noted that the stipend is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains “fit for purpose.” Despite this, the ASRC has characterized the current system as a failure. “In the last year alone, the Albanese government spent almost a billion dollars [on offshore processing]. And for what? A harmful and cruel policy where people don’t have enough food and are going hungry,” said ASRC deputy CEO Jana Favero.
Comparison of Policy Outcomes
The current situation highlights a stark contrast between the significant fiscal expenditure and the reported daily experiences of those in detention. While the Commonwealth allocated nearly $900 million to offshore detention in the last financial year, the direct support provided to individuals remains capped at $18 per day. Following the High Court’s NZYQ ruling, which deemed indefinite detention illegal, the government established a new, non-public agreement with Nauru to facilitate the removal of individuals from Australian immigration detention. However, none of the 100 or so asylum seekers currently on Nauru are eligible for resettlement in Australia, regardless of their refugee status.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do asylum seekers on Nauru receive for living expenses?
As of December 2025, the stipend was increased to $260 per fortnight, which averages out to approximately $18 per day. - Can asylum seekers on Nauru work to supplement their income?
No. Asylum seekers do not have work rights on the island, and they face the risk of having their stipend cancelled if they are caught working illegally. - Is the Australian government responsible for the welfare of these individuals?
The Australian government funds the program through a memorandum of understanding with Nauru. While the Nauruan government sets payment rates based on local wages, a recent United Nations report asserts that countries cannot avoid legal responsibility for asylum seekers who arrived on their shores by contracting out their obligations.
What are your thoughts on the sustainability of Australia’s current offshore processing model? Share your perspectives in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on migration and human rights policy.