The Immigration Department is seeking information on a young Iranian refugee now allegedly in Fiji after fleeing a refugee detention centre in Papua New Guinea.

Immigration Manager West, Nadi International Airport, Pene Suliano, said they have yet to receive confirmation about the incident.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported yesterday that the Iranian refugee, who was held on Manus Island for more than three years, fled to Fiji, where he is seeking asylum on the grounds he fears persecution if he goes back to Papua New Guinea.

“This is the end for me,” Loghman Sawari told the Herald.

He claims his detention has been punctuated by beatings, bullying, imprisonment, illness, suicide attempts and living on the street in Lae, one of PNG’s most dangerous cities.

The 21-year-old Ahwazi Arab managed to board a plane under a false name after he said he was threatened by a PNG immigration official, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Mr Suliano said they could not comment on the matter.

“Right now we have not confirmed anything because the guy came out of Papua New Guinea with a different name, so that is yet to be confirmed.”

When asked about the possibility of visitors using fake documents to enter Fiji, Mr Suliano said people from the region have been coming with proper documents.

He said they would be able to establish the facts tomorrow after talking with local border officers and overseas counterparts.

Edited by Naisa Koroi