The remaining 387 refugees and non-refugees at the decommissioned Manus Regional Processing Centre (MRPC) have all moved to the new facilities.
The Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Petrus Thomas, said in a statement that the remaining lot were moved with the assistance of immigration officials and police on November 24.
“I would like to thank the refugees and non-refugees for moving for the best interest of their health and well-being,” says Thomas.
“Immigration will work closely with the service providers at the new facilities to ensure that the basic needs and concerns of these people are catered for.
“Immigration no longer has authority to keep any asylum seeker at the decommissioned MRPC and the place has reverted to the PNG Defence Force as a military base.”
He further says anyone remaining there would be residing unlawfully and will be evicted by the PNGDF.
Minister Thomas thanks the people of Manus for their resilience, understanding and hospitality of the refugees and non-refugees.
He gave the assurance that the refugees will be resettled to third countries while non-refugees will be returned to their home countries.
“The Government, through my Ministry, PNG Immigration and the state negotiation team, led by the chief secretary, will discuss with Australian officials a timeframe to resettle refugees.”
(Construction of one of the new facilities in Lorengau)