Japan Immigration News

(The Asahi Shimbun)Refugees face limited aid as Oct. 1 visa fee hikes approach

Release Date
2026-07-06
Media
The Asahi Shimbun
Summary
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has released draft guidelines for sharply higher residency fees starting Oct. 1. Renewal and status-change fees will rise from a flat ¥6,000 to ¥10,000–¥75,000, while permanent residency will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.

Refugee support groups warn that fee reductions are too narrow. Applicants must both need public assistance and be recognized refugees, while pending refugee applicants qualify only if they receive public protection funds—approved for just 710 of about 12,000 applicants in fiscal 2024.

Because refugee screening averaged 22.5 months and applicants often renew status every three to six months, repeated fees could push people unable to return home into undocumented status. The Japan Association for Refugees called for lower fees and broader reduction criteria. Public comments are open until Aug. 2.
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