Residents of Christmas Island say they are living in fear after recent riots at the island's detention centre, although there have been no riots in the past 24 hours.

There was a week of conflict on the island, with Federal Police on Thursday night firing tear gas and synthetic bullets at a group of 250 asylum seekers who had burned down accommodation buildings.

The Federal Government sent an additional 70 police officers to the island, taking the total to more than 190.

"It appears that that is certainly working and that is what we have been wanting," resident Glenda Maberly said.

But she says she is still scared of more violent clashes at the $400 million purpose-built facility.

"Now we're having to lock our homes and our vehicles and such which prior to that we didn't have to do," Ms Maberly said.

"It will be good to have a return to normally where we don't have to lock our homes and vehicles and live in some degree of fear."

Christmas Island's administrator will hold a meeting for residents on Sunday morning to tell them how the situation is progressing.

Ms Maberly says she would like assurance the detention centre will not be breached again.

"[We would like to know] that there are no detainees out there in the bush and that every one has been placed under lock and key again," she said.

"It would be good if people turn up again [to the meeting] in their numbers and if we can have full disclosure so that people can know what's going on and what to expect in the coming days."

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen on Friday called the violence unacceptable and said it could affect visa applications.

Federal Opposition has questioned Mr Bowen's ability to carry out his duties.

Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop told Channel Nine that Prime Minister Julia Gillard should hold her minister to account.

"Julia Gillard should question his capacity to hold that portfolio," she said.

"Ministerial accountability means that he is now responsible for what's gone on under his watch.

"Under his watch the boats have kept coming. The facilities on Christmas Island are dangerously overcrowded."

The detention centre has been calm as Federal Police continue to pour onto the island.

The Immigration Department is continuing to shift detainees off the island with 155 being flown off in the past 24 hours. It expects to move another 200 over the coming days.

But the department is also having to contend with new arrivals. Two boats carrying a total of 70 people arrived on the island on Saturday.