Japan Tightens Refugee Screening Rules, Sparking Controversy
On June 10, Japan implemented stricter refugee screening rules, raising concerns about the potential deportation of individuals seeking asylum. The revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, passed amidst fierce opposition, allows for the deportation of individuals whose refugee applications are pending for a third time. Previously, deportation orders were suspended during such applications.
The new law also permits the deportation of visa overstayers during their third application for refugee status, unless there is a "good reason" for their stay. However, it introduces a provision allowing some visa overstayers to live outside detention facilities while awaiting deportation, provided they are monitored by designated supervisors.
The legislation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it risks deporting individuals who could face persecution or death in their home countries. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Diet building during deliberations on the law, expressing their concerns.
The government maintains that the revised law is necessary to address the increasing number of asylum applications and to prevent abuse of the refugee system. However, human rights groups and opposition parties remain critical of the changes, arguing that they undermine Japan's obligations under international law.