Japan Immigration News

Japan accepts record-high 303 refugees in 2023

Release Date: 2024-03-26
Media: KYODO NEWS
Summary: In 2023, Japan granted refugee status to a record 303 people, marking a significant rise from the previous year’s 202, but still far behind Western countries. The largest group of refugees were 237 Afghans, many of whom had fled after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Other groups included 27 from Myanmar and six from Ethiopia. The number of applicants surged to 13,823, the second-highest on record, with the largest number of applicants coming from Sri Lanka, followed by Turkey and Pakistan.

In addition, 1,110 people applied for "complementary protection," a new program offering long-term resident visas for those fleeing conflict. Of the 647 approved, 644 were from Ukraine, and three were from Sudan. Another 1,005 individuals were allowed to stay in Japan on humanitarian grounds despite not being granted refugee status.

While Japan’s refugee acceptance remains low compared to many Western nations, the government has pledged to improve the protection process. Justice Minister Ryuji Koizumi emphasized the goal of providing prompt and stable protection while utilizing the complementary protection program.
Tags: Refugee Status