Japan to focus refugee screening system on those who want protection, not employment
Currently those who file for the status three times without legitimate grounds are liable to be deported or sent to immigration centres, but now that rule will apply to first-time applicants
The Japanese government said Friday it will introduce a stricter refugee screening system next week as a surge in the number of applicants believed to be seeking employment rather than protection has put the process under strain.
Under the current system, those who file for refugee status three times without legitimate grounds are liable to be deported or sent to immigration centres. But under the stricter system to be introduced from Monday, the government will take similar measures for first-time applicants who do not meet criteria stipulated in the 1951 refugee convention.
The UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees defines refugees as individuals who possess well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa told a press conference that the latest revision “does not mean [Japan] will be more reluctant to accept [refugees]. We want to concentrate on dealing with refugees who need protection.”
Since 2010, Japan has granted work permits to all asylum seekers six months after they file for refugee status. With the change, however, the country’s Justice Ministry will only allow people to work if they are deemed to have a high chance of being recognised as refugees following an initial simplified screening.
Fast track screening will be conducted on applicants with resident status – such as those who have been in the country on study visas – within two months of their filing for refugee status. If they are deemed unlikely to be recognised as refugees or found to have repeatedly submitted applications, they could face deportation.