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More delays for Manus asylum seekers

Refugee resettlement in Papua New Guinea is likely to face further delays, with Prime Minister Peter O'Neill announcing a new policy be prepared with the aim of building public support for the scheme.

Critics say the announcement is a sign Australia's resettlement program with PNG has fallen through.

Asylum seekers housed in the Australian-run Manus Island facility have been waiting for a resettlement plan since the idea was announced by former prime minister Kevin Rudd in July, 2013.

Shortly after meeting Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Port Moresby on Monday, Mr O'Neill directed that a new policy be prepared with increased focus on consultations and building public awareness and support.

"The new policy will be considered by cabinet after these comprehensive public awareness and consultations are completed," Mr O'Neill said in a statement.

Mr O'Neill said he assured Mr Abbott that PNG is committed to the implementation of the Refugee Resettlement Arrangement - but given the sensitivities of refugee resettlement, he added that PNG requires time to work through this issues.

The PNG government has confirmed public opposition to the plan is too strong for it to proceed, the Australian Greens say.

They say it shows the deal with PNG has fallen apart.

"The PNG deal is dead," the Greens' immigration spokeswoman, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, said in a statement.

"The policy is inhumane and clearly unworkable. The continued failure in rolling it out has been like watching a train-wreck in slow motion.

"The Abbott government needs to recognise that and establish an exit strategy before we see more unrest."

In February, 27-year-old asylum seeker Reza Barati was killed during a clash between asylum seekers and staff at the Manus Island site.

Comment is being sought from Immigration Minister Scott Morrison.