Under the amended law, the government will aim to reduce long-term detention in immigration facilities and encourage the expulsion of foreign individuals who do not comply with deportation orders issued for overstaying.
Opponents have argued that the revised legislation could result in the repatriation of those who are at risk of persecution in their home countries, endangering their lives, and also lead to the expulsion of children who were born and brought up in Japan.
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As of the end of last year, 4,233 foreign nationals had refused to return home despite being ordered to do so, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
The law will allow the government to expel individuals who fail to present reasonable grounds to be granted refugee status after their third request.
Protesters rally against the controversial bill outside the Diet building in Tokyo on June 9. Photo: Kyodo
Critics, however, have raised a counterargument, pointing out that some asylum seekers had had their requests approved in the past after making three or more applications.
To provide help to foreigners from conflict-affected regions, the amended law offers a “quasi-refugee” status that would allow them to stay in Japan, even if they do not meet the criteria for being recognised as fully authorised refugees.
As part of efforts to prevent prolonged detention, the government will allow individuals applying for refugee status to live outside an immigration facility under the supervision of family members or supporters to avoid the risk of flight.
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But opponents have cast doubt on the effectiveness of the system, saying it places a heavy burden on those monitoring the asylum seekers.
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, meanwhile, called for the establishment of a third-party body to screen the refugee recognition process, currently conducted by the immigration authorities, to ensure the fairness of the procedure.