Crackdown on swearing asylum seekers

Cursing, spitting and rumour mongering will be discouraged for asylum seekers released into the community, according to a leaked draft code-of-conduct form.

The federal government is introducing a behaviour code for people on bridging visas which warns they must not disobey road rules, engage in sexual conduct without consent or engage in bullying, disruptive, violent or criminal behaviour.

A leaked draft behaviour code form, obtained by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, defines harassment as "to persistently or continually disturb or irritate" another person.

"Bullying includes making threats, spreading rumours, attacking someone physically or verbally or excluding someone from a group on purpose," the document said.

Anti-social behaviour includes damaging property, spitting and swearing in public.

Anyone who breaches the code risks being returned to detention and possible transfer to Manus Island and Nauru centres.

They could also face having their bridging visas cancelled or government payments cut for code breaches.

Comment has been sought from Immigration Minister Scott Morrison's office.