Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has informed asylum seekers on Nauru they were told a bunch of lies by people smugglers and should tell their family and friends not to believe the same things.
In his first official trip to the island nation as minister, Mr Morrison visited all three immigration detention centres.
He spoke to asylum seekers in the camps with the help of an interpreter.
"People smugglers told you lies and you should tell your friends and families not to believe those lies because you will not get what you came for," he said, according to a statement from the Nauruan government.
Mr Morrison also explained the government's tough policy not to resettle any refugees arriving by boat in Australia, and to prosecute anyone found helping to arrange these voyages.
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Nauru's Minister for Justice and Border Control David Adeang, Australian High Commissioner Bruce Cowled and Australia immigration officials accompanied Mr Morrison.
The delegation also inspected construction work, met with local government officials and members of the Nauruan opposition.
