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Japan immigration

Japan prepares legislation to recognize 'quasi-refugee' status

Ukraine war prompts change to immigration law, opening doors to those fleeing conflict

Ukrainian evacuees arrive at Haneda Airport in Tokyo in April 2022. Japan often will not recognize those fleeing war as refugees, per a 1951 United Nations convention.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is drawing up a bill to create a new immigration category for "quasi-refugees" fleeing conflict, after the war in Ukraine highlighted shortfalls in its current framework.

The proposed amendment to Japan's immigration law would create a new designation for individuals who require "additional protection" but may not have met Japan's current stringent definition of refugees.

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