Detainees protests grow as Manus Island closes up

HUNDREDS of asylum- seekers on Manus Island are ramping up demonstrations and protests ahead of the detention centre’s closure next week.

Despite claiming in signs held up during protests at the weekend that Manus was “hell”, those set to leave the complex for a transit centre are demanding to stay there.

They will now have to start cooking and cleaning for themselves within days after having been provided with all meals and necessities, including full health services, while on the island.

Tensions are escalating ahead of the October 31 closure, with about 500 asylum- seekers being informed by letter that they will need to move to the East Lorengau Transit Centre.

More than 300 asylum- seekers have refused to sign the letter, pointing to potential conflict in the coming days.

Services have already started winding down at the detention centre as buildings are demolished. Those detainees already found to be refugees will now get an allowance from the PNG Government.

It is understood there are about 600 asylum seekers at the dentition centre – 467 refugees and 141 non- refugees.

About 60 have already moved to the new location and more than 580 people have left PNG to return to their country of origin.

It comes as the PNG Government earlier this month posted a notice at the detention centre advising asylum seekers trying to get to the US – under a deal with Australia – that they can apply to relocate to Nauru.

“The Government of Nauru will then decide which refugees can transfer,’’ the notice said.