Asylum seekers 'should work for welfare'

The federal opposition says it will force asylum seekers to work for their welfare benefits if it wins government.

The coalition is expected to outline further details of the immigration policy it will take to the next election on Thursday.

Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison said the coalition will go back to three-year temporary protection visas of the previous Liberal government.

"It's one of the many bows and arrows that you need to deal with this very difficult problem," he told ABC Radio.

Visa holders will be allowed to work, receive access to Medicare and be forced to go to English classes after a year.

But one change means they will also have to work to receive welfare support.

"In the same way others are required to do work for the dole and things of that nature, we think it's only fair that those same requirements should apply to those receiving these benefits," Mr Morrison said.

The coalition will also scrap the suspension of Sri Lankan and Afghan asylum seeker claims.

Unlike the government, the opposition had the resolve to deter boats from arriving, Mr Morrison said, while failing to rule out a return to the Pacific Solution.