Refugee boats have become a big political issue in Australia

The centre, at the Curtin air base in Western Australia, was closed down in 2002 after riots and reports of mistreatment.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the facility would house asylum-seekers from two countries after Australia stopped processing claims from the two countries.

"As a result of (the decision) applications for asylum seekers from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, we'll be opening a new immigration facility at the Curtin Air Base," Minister Evans was quoted by the AFP news agency.

'Very expensive'

The number of asylum-seekers arriving in Australia by boat has increased sharply this year.

For example, it is more expensive to travel from Perth to Curtin Air Base than travelling to Sri Lanka from Sydney   Lawyer Ajith Lakshman in Sydney

Single male Afghans and Sri Lankans will be transferred in the coming weeks from Christmas Island, Australia's main detention centre off its north, which is overflowing with immigrants arriving on rickety boats.

Sri Lankan lawyer Ajith Lakshman speaking from Sydney, told BBC Sandeshaya that it is very difficult for case workers to reach the new detention centre in an remote area in Western Australia.

"For example, it is more expensive to travel from Perth to Curtin Air Base than travelling to Sri Lanka from Sydney," he said.

The Australian government is under pressure from within and the opposition to take action against illegal immigrants, he said, but the new move has come under heavy criticism.

"It makes sense for the government to manage this group of asylum seekers in one secure location and the Curtin facility is well placed to provide this accommodation," Evans said.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the Australia's recent decision to freeze asylum applications from Sri Lankans and Afghans.