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Japan Forward
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Immigration in Japan: Rethinking Refugee Protection in a Changing World
このページを 日本語 で読む The Refugee Convention, specifically the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, was established in the aftermath of World War II. Its primary aim was to protect civilians fleeing from the Eastern Bloc to the West. Born out of the Cold War, the convention's origins continue to shape how "refugee" is defined today. At the time, the focus was clear. In communist states, individuals were often persecuted for their political or religious beliefs. To counter that behavior, the convention aimed to provide legal protection for those targeted by authoritarian regimes. Last in the series. Read the series: Immigration in Japa n Since then, however, the nature of global displacement has dramatically evolved. Today's international community faces crises not only along ideological lines but across divides between the Global North and South, and even within the Global South itself. Conflicts driven by ethnic tension, poverty, and inequality have triggered civil wars, lawlessness, and mass atrocities. Many have fled in search of safety. Others have left not because their lives were immediately endangered, but to escape poverty, disaster, or systemic discrimination in hopes of building a better future. As global challenges have shifted from Cold War-era ideological divides to the complex realities of North-South and South-South tensions, the original framework of the Refugee Convention has become increasingly difficult to apply. It was designed to protect those fleeing political persecution under authoritarian regimes. For the most part, that did not include those escaping fragile governance, chronic instability, or daily insecurity. At the same time, it's overly simplistic and unjust to dismiss everyone in these circumstances as mere economic migrants and deny them protection outright. In response, new systems have begun to emerge under terms like "complementary protection." These frameworks are meant to assist individuals fleeing indiscriminate violence, conflict, or systemic collapse — even if they don't strictly qualify as refugees under the original convention. Japan is among the countries starting to adopt such measures. Looking ahead, political repression, armed conflict, economic collapse, and natural disasters will continue to force people from their homelands. Across borders, there remains a shared moral instinct, a sense that we should help those in need. But when it comes to the concrete questions of how to help and through what systems, the world is still feeling its way forward. On March 28, 2025, central Myanmar was struck by a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake. Around the same time, a high-rise building under construction collapsed in Bangkok — a tragedy still fresh in public memory. I extend my sincere condolences to all those affected and pray for their swift recovery. What stood out to me in the aftermath was a striking detail: many of the workers at the collapse site were from Myanmar. A behavioral study by the Media Intelligence Group (MI Group) estimates that there are currently 6.8 million Myanmar nationals working in Thailand. Of these, only about 1.85 million have valid work permits. In other words, over 67% of Thailand's roughly 2.7 million foreign workers are from Myanmar. And the vast majority of them are undocumented. Rohingya refugees from Myanmar cross a bamboo-made bridge during an ongoing heatwave in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, May 2, 2024. (@Reuters) Roughly five million Myanmar nationals are working in Thailand without legal status. If one of them is killed or injured in a workplace accident, like in the recent building collapse, there's often no registration, no records, and no protections. They vanish without a trace, unrecognized by any official system. In the case of Myanmar-Thailand migration, this undocumented status often results from informal land crossings. Japan, by contrast, requires all entrants to pass through official ports or airports, making irregular entry less common. Still, once someone overstays their visa or fails to obtain proper residency, they too become undocumented. I believe Japan should not accept foreign workers under such conditions. Anyone living here should hold a valid residence status — not only to ensure access to emergency support and legal protections, but also to earn the trust of both Japanese society and fellow foreigners. Japan's system should help those in need obtain and maintain legal status, not fall through the cracks. At the same time, Japan must take a hard look at the immigration and refugee policy failures seen in many Western countries. There are people who don't qualify as refugees under the convention but are fleeing instability, poor governance, or systemic failure. We should recognize their hardship and create mechanisms that offer fair access to information, assistance, and opportunities. However, reliance solely on international organizations like UNHCR or the International Organization for Migration to manage refugee and migration issues is not ideal. Japan should strengthen its own efforts through agencies like the Japan International Cooperation Agency. By focusing on international cooperation, technical assistance, and financial aid, Japan can help developing countries build the conditions that allow people to thrive at home, surrounded by family and community, in peace and stability. April 30, 2025, marked 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. It was a moment that evoked memories of the harrowing refugee crisis that followed. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the exodus from Indochina shocked the world. Between two and three million "boat people" fled Vietnam alone. In an era before the internet or mobile phones, they were driven by fear, misinformation, and desperation, setting out into the sea with nothing but hope for survival. A Helicopter offloads evacuees onto the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVA-41) during the evacuation of South Vietnam. ("Operation Frequent Wind") in April 1975. A boy who fled his country at the age of ten would now be 60. Rescued by Japan, he became a citizen more than three decades ago. Today, he runs his own company and actively supports students and technical interns from his homeland. He is one of many who now serve as living bridges between Japan and Vietnam. Foreign workers come with different hopes and plans. Some aim to stay briefly, earn money, and return home. Others dream of reuniting with family and building a permanent life in Japan. Whatever their path, we must ensure they can live here legally — in a society built on mutual respect and shared effort. Author: Fusako Yanase In addition to being an expert on immigration, Yanase is a best-selling author and former Honorary Chair of the Certified NPO Association for Aid and Relief, Japan. このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Immigration in Japan: Understanding Who is a Refugee
このページを 日本語 で読む Criticisms such as "Japan is cold toward refugees" or "Japan accepts very few refugees" frequently appear in the media. In the past, there may have been a basis to think so. But, I have worked in immigration and refugee support for decades. I believe it's important to highlight that Japan has a nearly 50-year history of accepting and assisting refugees. Fourth in the Series. Read the series, Immigration in Japan Recent years have seen a sharp rise in displaced persons and refugees. This has been driven by events such as the military coup in Myanmar, the Taliban's return in Afghanistan, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In response to these crises, Japan has offered protection by granting various forms of legal status to those seeking asylum. Unlike some countries, Japan does not take a blanket approach to granting refugee status based solely on country or regional origin. This includes cases such as victims of severe food shortages and disease in the Congo, natural disaster survivors, or those fleeing conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. Each application is examined individually, and when there is a strong likelihood that the applicant qualifies as a refugee, they are granted refugee status. Even when an applicant does not meet the criteria for refugee status, Japan may give special humanitarian consideration specific to the individual's circumstances. When it is determined that those humanitarian circumstances warrant, special permission to stay beyond the normal period of their visa may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Japan's approach to refugee issues began to shift in a more positive direction after it signed the international conventions and developed a domestic legal framework in the 1980s. In Japan, the question of "Who qualifies as a refugee?" has been debated for many years. Japan joined the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees (collectively referred to as the "Refugee Convention"). Since then, the government has consistently adhered to a strict interpretation of the definition when determining refugee status. So, what is a "refugee?" In summary, a refugee is someone who: "Owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of their nationality and is unable or unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country." If even one of these criteria is not met, the person will not be granted refugee status. A family of Afghan refugees arrives on the outskirts of Chaman, a town in southwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border. April 3, 2025 (©AP via Kyodo News). Japan's approach to refugee issues began to shift in a more positive direction after it signed the international conventions and developed a domestic legal framework in the 1980s. Public support for Indochinese refugees during this period was especially commendable. Those included laudable efforts by the Refugee Assistance Headquarters of the Foundation for the Welfare and Education of the Asian People, other civic groups, and corporations. While there may be differing views on the number of refugees accepted, that debate should not overshadow Japan's efforts. The fact that the country continued accepting Indochinese refugees until 2005 is something that deserves positive recognition. From the late 1990s to the early 2010s, the number of asylum applications increased significantly. This period also saw the rise of the internet and affordable international travel booking systems, making the global refugee situation more visible and accessible. For applicants, the world became a more easily connected place. In 2024, 12,373 individuals applied for refugee status in Japan. That marked a decrease of 1,450 applicants, about 10.5% lower than the 2023 high of 13,823 applications. Notably, of these, 1,355 applicants (roughly 11%) had previously filed for refugee status. Refugee applicants came from 92 different countries in 2024, with the most common nationalities being Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, India, and Pakistan. Particularly, applicants claiming to be Thai nationals accounted for 2,128 cases, a dramatic, elevenfold surge from just 184 cases in 2023. Thailand thus ranked as the second largest nationality group, after Sri Lanka. One possible reason for this spike is the tightened crackdown on illegal employment in South Korea, which has long accepted large numbers of foreign workers. As a result, some observers believe that Thai labor brokers involved in undocumented employment are now redirecting their operations toward Japan. Japan's current policy focuses on accurately identifying and supporting those who genuinely need protection. To achieve this, the government is working to enhance the transparency of the application process, reinforce the administrative and institutional foundations of refugee support, improve the analysis and sharing of country-of-origin information, and train personnel involved in processing refugee claims. But it all depends on understanding who is a refugee. It's necessary to process applications quickly and fairly. Ensuring that employment permissions for applicants during the application process are handled properly is also an important issue. Misuse and abuse of the system require careful and appropriate responses. Especially egregious cases of abuse should be dealt with strictly for the sake of the applicants. This is also essential to maintaining long-term trust in the system. The Refugee Convention is based on the sovereignty of nations and the importance of borders. As it defines a refugee under the treaty, those who flee for reasons other than persecution would not be considered refugees. Nevertheless, terms like "persecution" and "fear," along with the qualifier "well-founded," are abstract and ultimately left to each country's interpretation. In other words, states are permitted some flexibility to apply the definition in ways that align with their national interests. Taking national differences into account, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) later developed more standardized guidelines. In its Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status, the UNHCR calls on countries to apply a consistent interpretation of what defines a refugee. Over half a century has passed since the Refugee Convention was established. While its core principles remain, the circumstances that compel people to flee their homelands have become far more diverse than just persecution. Today, there are civil wars, large-scale political unrest involving both domestic and foreign actors, natural disasters, extreme poverty, and foreign occupation. As we have moved into the 21st century, globalization has sped up changes in how we live, work, govern, and connect, from our cultures and economies to politics and technology. These days, people around the world can access information and communicate across borders with ease and at little cost. A malnourished child receiving treatment in Port Sudan, northeastern Sudan. The country remains gripped by civil war. September 2024 (©Reuters via Kyodo). Social media and widespread internet access have fueled dreams of safe, prosperous societies. They have also spread admiration for democracy, an ideal that transcends race, religion, and national borders. Its influence now seems almost limitless. However, the gap between these digital ideals and the reality of the international system is growing quickly. I believe it remains essential that we respect the broadly recognized principle that decisions to accept refugees lie within the sovereign rights of each nation. Continues in Part Five: So, You Want to Live Here? Author: Fusako Yanase In addition to being an expert on immigration, Yanase is a best-selling author and former Honorary Chair of the Certified NPO Association for Aid and Relief, Japan. このページを 日本語 で読む
Saba Yemen
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
ICRC, IOM express concern over Sa'ada detention facility shelling
Sana'a – Saba: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Yemen expressed on Tuesday its deep concern over reports that a detention facility in Sa'ada province was shelled early Monday morning. The ICRC stated, "Yemen Red Crescent Society teams are working intensively on the ground to provide humanitarian support by evacuating the wounded to hospitals and providing necessary medical care. The teams are also making strenuous efforts to ensure dignified management of the deceased." The ICRC confirmed that it is "in constant contact with the relevant authorities to assess the situation and address urgent humanitarian needs." The IOM also expressed its deep sorrow "over reports of heavy loss of life in Sa'ada, Yemen." The statement affirmed the organization's commitment to "closely monitoring the situation and standing ready to provide support as needed." It also stressed that "it is necessary to make every possible effort to avoid harming civilians and protect the most vulnerable groups in these difficult circumstances." The Ministry of Health and Environment of the Government of Change and Construction in Sana'a announced that the US attack targeting a shelter for illegal African migrants in Sa'ada city resulted in the deaths of 60 people and the injury of 65 others. Official spokesman for the Ansarullah movement Mohammed Abdulsalam, considered the incident "a brutal crime committed by the US administration at dawn on Monday against innocent African migrants by bombing a shelter for them in Sa'ada, which houses more than 100 illegal migrants." He said, "This brutality of the US administration will not cover up the military failure it is suffering in its aggression against Yemen, and continuing the aggression will not bring it any achievements." The National Committee for Refugee Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned "the US aggression that targeted the shelter for illegal migrants in Sa'ada province on Monday with six airstrikes." The committee affirmed in a statement that "this aggression is a full-fledged war crime and a flagrant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, particularly the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Additional Protocol, and international conventions relating to the protection of illegal migrants." The committee stated, "The United States of America has not only killed Yemeni citizens and targeted civilian objects in Yemen, but its heinous crimes have also extended to targeting African migrants who arrived in Yemen in search of safety and stability and were housed in a shelter center operating under the knowledge and supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration." Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Refugee Commission dubs targeting migrant center as war crime
Sana'a - Saba: The National Committee for Refugee Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the US aggression that targeted the illegal immigrant shelter in Sa'ada Governorate today with six airstrikes. The shelter, which houses 115 migrants of all African nationalities, resulted in the death of 68 migrants and the injury of 47, according to a preliminary toll. In a statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), the committee affirmed that this aggression constitutes a full-fledged war crime and a flagrant violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, particularly the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, its 1967 Protocol, and international conventions related to the protection of illegal immigrants." The committee stated: "The United States of America did not stop at killing Yemeni citizens and targeting civilian objects in Yemen, but its heinous crimes extended to targeting African migrants who arrived in Yemen in search of safety and stability. They were housed in a shelter center operating under the knowledge and supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration." It called on the international community and the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to break their silence and condemn the crime committed by the United States against African migrants, as well as the crimes it is committing against civilians and civilian objects in Yemen, which contravene all international norms and conventions. The National Committee also called on UN and international organizations operating in Yemen, as well as relevant local organizations, to condemn the massacre, visit the crime scene, document it, and pressure the international community to take serious action to stop these crimes. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
