Japan plans to release refugee status seekers from detention

There has always been an underclass of undocumented people here, working construction, ports, recycling materials, hard labour, and the '3K' jobs the locals don't want to do. The authorities know who they are, where they are, where they live, etc., but as they are providing a service to the country, albeit unofficially, they are tolerated.

Just don't expect any support if you are sick or injured on the job, or if you have labour problems,

The agency plans to also establish a new status for foreign nationals whose refugee application was rejected but are unable to return to their home country due to war or other reasons.

There are few things less honourable than depriving people of their dignity.

It seems the government needs to set up and run accommodation centres to make this work. How are the applicants expected to find a reliable place to live, given the onerous accommodation situation here?

Japan learn about human right little by little .

If you are unable to return to your country due to war or oppression, isn't that the definition of being a refugee?

Japan should remember the large number of countries in North and South America who took in their refugees during the Great Depression and the post-war period. What comes around, goes around - there may come a time when Japanese citizens will once again require refuge.

Some say Japan is finally catching up to Europe in this matter, but who wants to “catch up” to Europe? Who wants the crime, violence, the graffiti and other ills of urban Europe? I live in Japan to avoid these things.

Europe is an example of what not to do. Many, even on the European left, admit the volume and pace of immigration was too much, too fast. It has galvanized the far-right.

Sensible immigration and granting asylum to genuine asylum seekers can be a benefit.

Bad move... I’m all for immigrants resettling in a new country for a better future but this should be done properly and legally. The refugee concept is being abused by most of these people ( I’ve seen Nepali’s, Bangladeshi’s, Filipinos, Vietnamese applying for and getting approved refugee status in Japan ) and real refugees ( from countries where children and women are slaughtered by terrorizing groups ) find it hard for people to care and be sympathetic towards them! Australia and Canada took a perfect approach for immigrants and brought in educated, skilled and needy people ( real refugees ) to maintain a good balance and keep its economy strong! My wife is also an immigrant but she came through the proper and legal way. If this new law is passed than the system will be abused and Japan will lose it’s way!

Good move Japan.

Finally we might trace some sign of humanity and respect for human beings that are in need of help.

Something that the European Union is already practicing and rightfully so.

Agree with William77

Japan learn about human right little by little .

exactly. but little is better than nothing

What makes Japan a safe and unique country is that it is homogeneous

Really? Then, assuming you are a foreigner, you had better leave. So, what about Switzerland, made up of four ethnicities. It is safe and unique but NOT homogeneous. Or Malayasia. I could go on. Your "ethnic supremeism" is showing. How ridiculous, to say diversity is weakness, and chaotic.

I was deported to great emotional and financial destruction. I understand the pain.

But I am back legally.

people who come illegally, should be deported immediately and if their claims have merit, Japanese immigration should assist them to apply and start a new life away from torture, rape, murder etc.

but if they are illegals, economic migrants, they should be not allowed.

wandering around with no money, no cultural perception, vulnerable to gangs, crime, etc...will they really volunteer for 6:30am neighborhood street cleaning, cutting grass in local parks, helping with local matsuri,?

Better late than never.

Treating refugees as human beings is a start!!

This is a mistake, and it will encourage more people to overstay their visas and file for refugee status.

Those who come to Japan do so for economic reasons, and those who flee their countries for work are usually those who are fugitives in their home countries, the uneducated, and the unskilled.

The vast majority of people who live in developing countries find ways to survive and raise families; those who cannot are not likely to add value to Japan or other developed countries.

What makes Japan a safe and unique country is that it is homogeneous. This homogeneity makes Japan a country with common ideals. This is why Japan is not torn up politically or socially. The lack of a large immigrant class prevents the formation of an economic underclass which often resorts to crime in order to make ends meet. It also limits racial strife, which is already a problem with Japan’s Korean and Chinese minorities.

Some say Japan is finally catching up to Europe in this matter, but who wants to “catch up” to Europe? Who wants the crime, violence, the graffiti and other ills of urban Europe? I live in Japan to avoid these things.

Asylum and allowing immigrants in only works if they assimilate. If not, they are simply looking for handouts. If Japan wanted to be serious about this, they would basically tell these people that they have a finite time (maybe a year) to learn the language up to a certain level. Then they are allowed some work. If not they are freeloading and need to be sent packing.

But who would want to come to Japan?

Slave labor is waiting there...!

Talking about changing of the guard. Under the new measures, the agency is also considering providing financial support for those who are released to help them cover basic living costs, as they are not permitted to seek employment. This will create another tier of poor people in Japan who are already disadvantage and unable to work, by keeping them from working will create a number of people dependent on the governments handouts and only taxing the working class more. Japan better be careful of what they are doing by creating a poor class of immigrants which in turn would only increase more crime when you have a lot of have's and have nots!

What makes Japan a safe and unique country is that it is homogeneous. This homogeneity makes Japan a country with common ideals. This is why Japan is not torn up politically or socially. The lack of a large immigrant class prevents the formation of an economic underclass which often resorts to crime in order to make ends meet.

I find this comment to be rooted in ignorance.

Wrong way go back.

Something that the European Union is already practicing and rightfully so.

The European Union is solely dumping the problem on Greece.

We should give an opportunity to anybody who wants to make a living in Japan.

The country where a man was born shouldn't determine where he must live.

Yes agree, Good move Japan.

Finally we might trace some sign of humanity and respect for human beings that are in need of help.

Something that the European Union is already practicing and rightfully so.

For me ? This is but a trait of the Samurai " warrior " always choosing the most vulnerable and defenseless people, in this case- the refugees, to prop up their image as an advanced group in an advanced country.

As @ Laguna says, the Japanese were once recipients of other peoples' largess but hide the fact that they've worn that shoe before.

For those spewing pro- establishment dribble, I'd like you to know that some of those " refugees " are better educated and Could out-do you in many other fields-- given a chance. The US is an advanced country, courtesy of....you-know-who. I'd bet, if you are from the US, you will trace your ancentry to someone who " shipped " himself over with a little pocket- change in his pocket. So stop the smugness.

Bad move Japan.

These "refugees" will soon disappear into the system despite the government saying they will be tracked. We already know that "refugees" as well as others who come to Japan illegally eventually disappear into the shadows and never tracked.

Look no further than what happened in the European Union.