The refugee from Iran Loughman Sawari is being treated in hospital while he awaits court in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Sawari who was earlier detained on Manus Island was sent back to PNG from Fiji last week after trying to seek asylum in Fiji.
The ABC has reported PNG police have charged him with giving false information in his application for a PNG passport.
The 21-year-old has been detained at a police station in Port Moresby this week and was brought to court to apply for bail yesterday, but the matter has been deferred.
The UN refugee agency has said it is profoundly concerned for Mr Sawari's welfare.