PAPUA New Guinea's Immigration Department has said it is moving asylum seekers and refugees at the Manus Island detention centre to help them get ready to leave.
The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (PNGICSA) confirmed the 850 detainees in the Australian-funded centre were being separated based on whether their refugee claims had been accepted.
"Separate accommodation will enable us to provide services and support appropriate to each cohort's immigration status," PNG's Deputy Chief Migration Officer Esther Gaegaming said in a statement.
"Refugees will be provided assistance to settle elsewhere in PNG. Non-refugees will be provided assistance to return to their country of origin, consistent with international practice."
Ms Gaegaming confirmed asylum seekers had been given deadlines for the processing of their refugee claims.
