Asylum seekers get more freedom on Nauru

Asylum seekers on Nauru will soon be allowed to move freely around the island nation under new detention arrangements.

And those in Papua New Guinea who have been processed as refugees will be moved out of detention to live in the community.

The Australian and Nauruan governments have agreed for the detention centre there to transition to an open model by early 2015, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday.

Starting with families, people in the centre will be given freedom of movement around Nauru with the help of police and community groups.

They'll still eat, sleep and get medical services in the detention centre.

Australia will help Nauru employ and train community liaison officers to help the asylum seekers and answer questions from Nauruans.

In PNG, detainees found to be refugees will be able to leave the centre on Manus Island and live in East Lorengau, a township on the island.

They will live in purpose-built accommodation.

Mr Morrison said the new arrangement reflected the positive partnership between Australia and PNG.