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(The Mainichi)Japan sets financial hardship, humanitarian need criteria for visa fee cuts

Release Date
2026-08-25
Media
The Mainichi
Summary
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency announced guidelines for reducing residence-related fees when substantial increases take effect on October 1. Applicants must meet both financial-hardship and humanitarian criteria. Eligible applicants will pay 10,000 yen for residence status changes or renewals and 20,000 yen for permanent residence, while full exemptions will generally be limited to diplomatic and official status holders.

The guidelines identify 12 humanitarian categories, including recognized refugees, asylum seekers, spouses of Japanese nationals and single parents. However, most asylum seekers may not qualify because they generally must be receiving government assistance for people in severe financial hardship. Refugee support groups have criticized the criteria as too restrictive.

In 2025, 11,298 people applied for asylum, while only 518 received such financial assistance in fiscal 2025, partly because many asylum seekers are permitted to work while their applications are being examined.
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Immigration Policy

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