Japan is set to implement stricter rules regarding refugee screening, with a focus on individuals who apply for asylum more than twice. This move, scheduled to take effect on June 10, comes as part of the revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, which has received criticism and protests from opposition parties and activists concerned about the potential deportation of individuals facing severe risks in their native countries.
The decision to enforce the new rules was made during a Cabinet meeting held on April 5. The revised law has faced backlash, with thousands of protesters gathering outside the Diet building during discussions and deliberations. Under the previous law, individuals with pending refugee applications were protected from deportation, but the revised legislation changes that by allowing for deportation during a third application, unless there is a valid reason to suspend the process.
One of the significant changes introduced by the revised law includes provisions for visa overstayers to live outside detention facilities, with their activities monitored by designated supervisors until their deportation. This approach aims to provide some flexibility while still ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.