Japan Immigration News

Editorial: Foreigners' rights must be protected as Japan's new refugee rules take effect

Release Date: 2024-06-10
Media: The Mainichi
Summary: Japan's amended Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which came into effect on June 10, introduces stricter deportation rules for foreign nationals without valid residency status. The law, passed amid protests, limits refugee applications to two per person, with deportation becoming possible after the third application, even if the person is still awaiting asylum decision. The government argues this is to prevent abuse of the system, where repeated applications delay deportation.

However, Japan's refugee recognition process is more stringent than in many Western countries, and there are cases where repeated applications have eventually been granted. A Rohingya man from Myanmar, for example, was granted refugee status after multiple rejections and legal challenges. Critics argue that deportation should not be automatic after a set number of applications, especially when there is a risk of persecution in the applicant's home country, which violates international norms.

Concerns were raised during legislative debates about the fairness of the refugee review process. Calls for more transparency and the use of up-to-date country information were made, but the system remains controlled by Japan's Immigration Services Agency, which also handles the refugee process, leading to worries about impartiality. Some suggest the involvement of an independent third-party organization to review asylum cases.

Additionally, the law introduces a new system for individuals facing deportation, allowing them to live outside detention under the supervision of a "supervisor." However, there are concerns that few supporters or lawyers are willing to take on this role, which may hinder the system's effectiveness.

Overall, critics argue that the law fails to adequately protect the human rights of foreign nationals, and a review of the law and its implementation is urgently needed.
Tags: Immigration Law,Refugee Status

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