8 Sep 2012

Nauru wants asylum seekers to feel free

8:12 pm on 8 September 2012

The Nauru Government wants the asylum seekers who are expected to soon start moving into camps on the island to become involved in the community once their refugee applications are registered.

The first of the asylum seekers could arrive in a week with the President, Sprent Dabwido, saying temporary tented accommodation will be available from September 14.

Nauru and Papua New Guinea have agreed to Australia's request they house asylum seekers who have tried to reach Australia.

Mr Dabwido says Nauru will be open to the aslyum seekers during the day.

"They're welcome to our schools, they're welcome at the university, they're welcome to any facilities on Nauru.

"I think they are free to roam around the island. That's what we want to do. We don't want to put more unnecessary pressures and stress on these people who have come from very difficult places."