Refugee Status
Seeking asylum abroad is a fundamental right under international law. Japan is a signatory state of the Refugee Convention, so the Japanese Government has a responsibility to those seeking asylum to determine their refugee status and protect them in Japan. To seek asylum in Japan, you need to apply for the Procedure for Recognition of Refugee Status at the Regional Immigration Services Bureaus.
If you are recognized as a refugee, you will be granted "Long-term Resident (5 years)" with no restrictions on your activities, and you will be entitled to the following guarantees, benefits and support.
- Protection against refoulement
- Partial relaxation of requirements for permission for permanent residence
- Issuance of a refugee travel document (in lieu of a passport)
- Social security (You will be entitled to the same benefits that Japanese citizens living in Japan enjoy)
- Family unity (If income and other criterias are met)
- Settlement Services and Support Program provided by the Japanese government (free of charge)
Since those who fled from Ukraine are granted the residency status of "Designated Activities (1 year), there is no difference from those who were granted refugee status as far as social security is concerned.
Regardless of the decision, the Procedure for Recognition of Refugee Status requires a complicated process and takes a long time.
It is important to gather information in advance while taking advice from refugee protection experts such as lawyers and NGOs.
We will update this website to provide accurate information, as it changes constantly.
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