Immigration coy over resettlement talks

The immigration department is remaining tight lipped over talks between Australia and third countries to resettle asylum seekers and refugees on Manus Island.

The immigration department claims it would harm Australia's foreign relations if it disclosed the countries it is negotiating with to take refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island.

The Papua New Guinea government has decided to close the detention centre on the island but no specific date has been set.

Immigration department secretary Michael Pezzullo claimed public interest immunity during a Senate estimates hearing on Monday when he declined to answer questions about the progress of negotiations.