Tensions at Manus Island detention centre

Refugee groups say there is rising tension at Manus Island detention centre after detainees were told of segregation plans.

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said detainees were told at meeting on Tuesday that those with refugee status would put in separate compounds from those with negative assessments from April 6.

"The announcement has increased tensions at the detention centre," he said in a statement.

The Australian Greens have called for an explanation and alleged that there were also plans announced regarding mass deportations.

"The government needs to clarify what's happening inside the Manus Island camp," Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told AAP that the Papua New Guinea government is responsible for refugee determinations and the management and administration of the centre.

PNG lawyer Ben Lomai, who is representing 600 asylum seekers in a constitutional challenge against the detention centre in the PNG Supreme Court, told AAP he thinks the announcement is connected to his case.

The case will come to court in late April.

Comment has been sought from the PNG government.