The Malaysian solution

On 25 July 2011 Australia signed an agreement with Malaysia allowing for the transfer of up to 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia. This agreement was designed to be a disincentive for asylum seekers attempting to reach Australia by boat. In return, Australia committed to accept 4000 additional refugees from Malaysia. On 31 August the High Court ruled that this arrangement was unlawful, effectively undermining the government’s strategy for addressing people smuggling.