More than 100 refugees and asylum seekers detained on Nauru report severe food insecurity and lack of access to clean drinking water, according to a survey conducted by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. The individuals, who have been held indefinitely while awaiting asylum processing, indicate they frequently skip meals to manage expenses despite the Australian government allocating approximately $9.6 million per person in the last financial year for offshore processing operations.
The core challenge facing detainees is the inadequacy of government stipends relative to local costs. The Australian government provides a fortnightly allowance of $260 intended to cover food, water, supplies, phone credit and internet service. However, Nauru’s economy is heavily reliant on imported goods, with over 90 percent of food requiring importation. Vegetable prices can reach three times higher than Australian levels, and basic commodities such as bananas have experienced significant price increases in recent months. A 28GB monthly data plan from the island’s primary provider costs approximately $112, consuming roughly 20 percent of the monthly allowance.
Survey respondents also reported substandard accommodation and water access challenges. The island lacks natural freshwater sources and depends on rainwater harvesting and desalination systems. Approximately 82 percent of survey participants indicated they lacked access to clean drinking water. Some detainees attempted to supplement food supplies through fishing and gardening but reported their equipment and crops were stolen.
The cohort primarily comprises individuals from China, Bangladesh and Pakistan who attempted maritime arrival after 2023. Under longstanding Australian policy, even those determined to be refugees cannot be permanently resettled in Australia and must await relocation arrangements with third countries. Asylum seekers are prohibited from working and can only subsist on government payments.
The Australian government contracted private operator MTC Australia to manage the facility for $791.2 million over five years, with an additional $106.5 million allocated for medical services. Government officials stated the allowance payments are reviewed regularly and designed to promote self-sufficiency, while asserting that detainees are treated with respect and dignity in accordance with human rights standards.