Comments on the 2025 (Reiwa 7) Refugee Recognition Figures

In response to the 'Regarding the Number of Recognized Refugees, etc. in Reiwa 7' announced today by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (hereinafter, ISA), the certified NPO Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) issues the following statement. The results this time strongly reflect the impact of the policy announced last May to reduce irregular foreign residents, the so-called 'Zero Plan.'

Although the number of recognized refugees, at 187 (a decrease of 3 from the previous year), exceeded 100 for the fourth consecutive year, the situation where individuals who should be recognized as refugees are not being recognized persists. Particularly noteworthy is the sharp increase in cases deemed 'clearly not applicable' without a full review, surging from 80 in the previous year to 1,615. Furthermore, the number of individuals deported while their applications were pending also reached 59. While we welcome the direction of expediting reviews, it should be aimed at 'promptly recognizing those who deserve protection.' We call for a more cautious approach to decisions of non-recognition.

Lack of Protection for Individuals from Myanmar

Continuing from 2022-24, more than half (123 people) of the recognized refugees were from Afghanistan. For Yemen, the number reached a record high of 26, which we see as a positive development. All others were 38 individuals from 9 countries/regions. A particular challenge is the response to applicants from Myanmar, who account for 13% (1,490 people) of all refugee applicants.

• Number of recognized refugees: 9 (the lowest number since the 2021 military coup)

• Number of non-recognized refugees: 750 (total of initial review and appeal)

Many individuals from Myanmar are being handled through humanitarian residence permits or emergency evacuation measures, and are not granted stable legal status as refugees or persons eligible for complementary protection. The fact that even those from Myanmar, where conflict and human rights abuses are escalating, are placed in such a situation encapsulates the challenges of Japan's refugee recognition system.

Individuals Eligible for Refugee Status Denied Recognition

The number of non-recognized refugees in 2025 reached 12,636. Among these, even based on our association's understanding, there are individuals who appear to clearly qualify as refugees, including those from regions plagued by conflict and violence, those who have experienced detention or assault by the military, and those who have been confined and subjected to sexual violence.

Deterioration of Refugee Protection Due to the 'Zero Plan'

In May 2025, the government announced the 'Zero Plan for Irregular Foreign Residents for the Safety and Security of the Nation,' and undertook an initiative (categorization) to specifically designate in advance cases (Category B cases) that 'clearly do not fall under persecution as defined by the Refugee Convention.' As a result, what had previously remained around 1% of applicants...