Asylum seekers in the Papua New Guinea capital want to go back to the Manus island detention centre after their motel was attacked by a group of armed men.
Seventeen of the refugees were sent for medical treatment in Port Moresby, where their motel was attacked on Sunday night by four men.
One of the 17 refugees, an Iranian Christian, Siyavash Shakibnia said the men stole money from the motel reception.
He said two of the refugees were ordered to lie on the ground during the attack and one was punched in the head.
The refugees have now lost confidence in their security guards and have asked to be returned to Manus Island said Mr Shakibnia.
"The local guards, I think they are not really going to protect us. But when I'm back to the Manus I think it's better than here. I'd rather to stay in Manus than here. Over there more safe than here. Over there we are inside the camp and then maybe the guards can protect us."
He said he could be sent back to Manus Island in the coming days.
