The death of a Sudanese refugee who alleged repeated negligence over six months by health providers on Manus Island is set to be investigated by a Senate committee.

Labor immigration spokesman Shayne Neumann has asked that Faysal Ishak Ahmed's death be examined by the legal and constitutional affairs references committee, which is already inquiring into allegations of abuse of asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru.

"Given media reports suggesting asylum seekers on Manus Island had requested better medical treatment for Mr Ahmed and the ongoing cases of alleged neglect, abuse and self-harm at the centre, I believe this matter falls within the committee's remit," Mr Neumann says in a letter obtained by Fairfax Media.

"This inquiry was established to investigate matters of this nature and the reporting timeframe of 30 March 2017 provides a suitable window that will allow for thorough investigation of Mr Ahmed's death."