Complementary Protection
Japan Immigration
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What is "Complementary Protection"?
Complementary protection is a status created to protect individuals who do not qualify as “refugees” under the 1951 Refugee Convention, yet who would face serious human rights violations if returned to their country of origin. While refugee recognition requires a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, complementary protection applies to those who risk torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, or indiscriminate violence caused by armed conflict.
In Japan, the system was formally introduced through an amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which came into effect on December 1, 2023. Applicants who are recognized as “persons in need of complementary protection” are issued a Certificate of Complementary Protection Status and are granted the residence status of “Long-Term Resident” (Teijūsha). This allows them to reside in Japan without employment restrictions, access social security, and live in conditions similar to those of recognized refugees.
Unlike the previous practice of granting stay permits on a discretionary “humanitarian consideration” basis, this status provides a clear legal framework and protection founded in law. Thus, complementary protection plays an essential role in filling the protection gap for those who cannot be recognized as refugees but still require international protection on humanitarian grounds.