The report regarding the transfer of two refugee patients from Taiwan to Nauru by Australian officials (Iranian refugee and son returned to Nauru against medical advice, 14 May) requires further clarification to avoid misunderstanding. The article implies the patients were forcibly returned to Nauru and this was opposed by Taiwanese medical personnel. The arrangement is temporary, and the two refugee patients were fully informed of this prior to their arrival in Taiwan and agreed to leave the country once they completed their treatment. According to Taiwan Adventist Hospital, which oversaw their medical treatment, the patients had completed their treatment prior to leaving Taiwan, thereby honouring the terms of the MOU. The implication that the patients were forcibly returned to Nauru by Australian officials or that their transfer was opposed by Taiwanese medical personnel is therefore incorrect.

Source: The Guardian May 18, 2018 13:30 UTC