In June 2025, Japan enacted a significant revision to its immigration control and refugee law. This change has sparked wide debate both inside and outside the country. The update marks a shift in how Japan deals with foreigners who overstay their visas, especially those applying for refugee status. The revised Japanese immigration law allows the government to deport repeat refugee applicants unless they have a clear and valid reason for reapplying.
This blog takes a deeper look at the new policies, the motivations behind the law, and the concerns raised by human rights organizations and legal experts.
Background: Why the Law Was Revised
Before the recent change, Japanese immigration law allowed foreign nationals to apply for refugee status without any limit. This meant that someone could continue filing applications—even without a strong case—simply to delay deportation. The government believed this loophole was being abused.
By the end of 2021, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency reported that over 1,600 people were awaiting refugee decisions while under detention. Many were considered “deportation evaders” who had applied for refugee status multiple times without presenting new reasons or evidence. The new law was introduced to deal with this issue and speed up the deportation process for those found to be misusing the system.
What Has Changed in the Law?
The updated Japanese immigration law introduces a major shift in how deportations are handled. The most notable change is that the government now has the authority to deport third-time and subsequent refugee applicants—unless they can show valid and compelling reasons for their reapplication.
Under the old rules, each application automatically halted deportation procedures. Now, repeat applicants no longer get this blanket protection. This makes it easier for immigration officials to remove individuals they believe are filing applications just to delay leaving Japan.
Another key part of the revision is the creation of a system where certain detainees can live outside immigration centers under supervision. Every three months, authorities will evaluate if detainees should continue to be held or if they can be released to live with relatives or supporters during their deportation process.
The Human Impact: Concerns from Rights Groups
While the government argues that the change improves efficiency and closes loopholes, critics say the new Japanese immigration law could put lives at risk. There is concern that genuine refugees—people escaping war, political persecution, or torture—may be deported unfairly.
Refugee applications are often complex, and new evidence may emerge over time. By limiting the ability to reapply without being deported, critics argue the law discourages valid appeals. Human rights groups worry that the new rules could send people back to dangerous environments, where they may be imprisoned or killed.
The Japan Association for Refugees (JAR), among others, has stated that the law does not align with international standards. According to the UNHCR, refugee applicants must be given a fair chance to present their case fully, especially if new facts arise.
Government Response: A Delicate Balance
Japan’s Justice Minister Ryuji Koizumi has defended the changes. He said the revised Japanese immigration law aims to strike a balance between removing those who break the rules and protecting those truly in need of asylum.
At a press conference, Koizumi stated, “We will take strict action against those who violate rules while protecting those who should be protected.” The government emphasizes that the new law is not meant to punish refugees but to stop abuse of the system.
To address some of the backlash, the law includes measures such as the supervised release system. This allows certain refugee applicants to stay outside detention facilities, easing some of the harsh conditions they previously faced.
Living Conditions in Immigration Centers
Detention in Japanese immigration centers has long been criticized. In many cases, people are held for long periods—sometimes years—without knowing when they will be released or deported. Hunger strikes and mental health issues have been reported in facilities like the Tokyo Immigration Bureau.
Under the new Japanese immigration law, periodic reviews every three months are meant to prevent indefinite detention. However, advocacy groups argue that these reviews lack transparency and accountability.
Even with the changes, the law does not place a legal time limit on how long someone can be detained. That means people could still be held for extended periods if authorities choose not to release them.
Japan’s Refugee Record: A Strict Approach
Japan is known for being one of the most selective countries in the world when it comes to accepting refugees. In 2022, out of more than 3,700 applicants, only 202 were granted refugee status. This number is extremely low compared to countries like Germany or Canada.
The revision to Japanese immigration law continues this strict approach. Critics say that Japan treats immigration more as a legal issue than a humanitarian one. While the country does take in foreign workers and students, it remains wary of open-door refugee policies.
Possible Consequences for Foreign Nationals
For foreigners living in Japan—especially those without proper visas—the new law sends a clear message: Japan is becoming less tolerant of repeat applications and more willing to enforce deportations.
Some may view this as a deterrent to abuse, while others see it as creating fear among already vulnerable communities. Foreign nationals may now hesitate to apply for asylum out of concern that their application will not only be rejected but also speed up their removal from the country.
It’s also possible that fewer people will seek help when facing threats back home, knowing that reapplying could now carry greater risks under the updated Japanese immigration law.
Final Thoughts: A Law with Serious Implications
The revised Japanese immigration law is not just a bureaucratic update—it’s a signal that Japan is becoming more hardline in dealing with immigration and asylum seekers. While it aims to prevent system abuse, it also raises serious ethical and humanitarian questions.
As Japan faces a future with labor shortages and an aging population, its stance on immigration will become increasingly important. For now, however, the new law reinforces a reputation for caution, control, and strict enforcement.
Only time will tell if the balance between security and compassion has been struck—or if the cost is too high for those genuinely in need of a safe haven.
