Japan Tightens Refugee Screening Rules, Sparking Controversy
On June 10, 2022, Japan implemented stricter refugee screening regulations, raising concerns about potential deportations of individuals facing life-threatening situations in their home countries.
The revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, approved by the Diet in 2021 amidst strong opposition, allows the government to deport individuals awaiting decisions on their third refugee applications. Previously, deportation orders were suspended during such applications.
The new law permits deportations during third applications unless "good reason" exists. Additionally, some visa overstayers can now reside outside detention facilities while awaiting deportation, provided they are monitored by designated supervisors.
The legislation has drawn criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups, who argue that it risks sending individuals back to countries where they could face persecution or even death. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Diet building during deliberations on the law.
Despite the controversy, 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.