The entrance to the detention centre. Source: News Limited

The man on top of the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation centre in Camp Rd, Broadmeadows is threatening to jump.

The 37-year old Rohingyan man has been in immigration detention for five years following an “adverse security assessment” according to the Refugee Action Collective.

The Rohingyan people are a minority Muslim community living in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Victoria Police said they had been attempting to talk the man down since about 4.30pm.

He was on the roof of the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation detention facility at Broadmeadows.

“Police are on the scene, along with negotiators and search and rescue,” a Victoria Police spokesperson told AAP.

“He is threatening self-harm and we are trying to talk him down.”

Spokesman for the advocacy group the Refugee Action Collective Chris Breen said the stand-off may have been sparked after 43 asylum seekers were released from the Broadmeadows centre today.

“People who remained inside were very glum. So it’s possible he has seen people released and is depressed about the crew lottery of his situation,” he said.

“Eleven refugees have now quietly had their adverse security assessments overturned, demonstrating what a farce the ASIO assessments are,” said Chris Breen.

Police negotiators are at the scene.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.