Surge in Asylum Seekers Drives Public Support to 300 Million Yen

A July 15 report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) highlighted a significant rise in public support recipients among impoverished asylum seekers. Last fiscal year (FY 2024), the number of recipients surged to 658, with total disbursements reaching ¥327 million JPY (approximately $2,248,226 USD). This figure is approximately 1.7 times the previous year's amount. The average annual payment per recipient was approximately ¥500,000 (approximately $3,438).

Behind this increase is a surge in refugee applications, which exceeded 13,000. However, many applicants work under a specific residence status granted to asylum seekers. They can reportedly earn more than what public support provides.

¥340,000 for Four-Person Household

According to MOFA, the public support system was established in 1983. It focuses on individuals facing extreme poverty in Japan, lacking essentials like clothing, food, and shelter during the initial refugee screening process. This system resembles domestic welfare support. It covers living expenses, essential housing, and medical costs, with reimbursements made based on actual expenses within insurance limits.

Living expenses are set according to welfare standards. Individuals over 12 years old receive ¥72,000 (about $495) per month. Those under 12 receive half that amount. Housing costs for single individuals are ¥40,000 ($275) per month, with a household cap of ¥60,000 ($412). Therefore, the maximum monthly payment can reach ¥112,000 ($770) for individuals and ¥348,000 ($2,394) for a family of four.

In 2023, the number of public support recipients surged to 658, nearly tripling the 204 recipients from the previous year. This spike rendered the initial ¥231 million (approximately $1.6 million) budget inadequate, prompting a revision to ¥327 million ($2.2 million) through supplementary allocations.

Full-Time Employment Allowed

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of asylum seekers jumped from about 3,700 to roughly 13,800, marking a nearly 3.7-fold increase. In response to the surge, the MOFA raised this fiscal year's budget to ¥259 million, exceeding the previous year's funds.

Most of the 13,800 asylum applicants, however, do not receive public support. Instead, many obtain "Designated Activities" residence status during the application process, which permits full-time employment. This status has triggered a continuous influx of individuals seeking asylum primarily for employment, commonly referred to as the "refugee visa."

Sources reveal that most asylum seekers choose self-sufficiency, as the "refugee visa" generally provides greater income opportunities than public support. They maintain employment while their refugee applications are pending.

According to data from the Immigration Services Agency, 5,380 people were classified under "Designated Activities" status as of the end of 2023. Turkish nationals, totaling 1,147 individuals, make up the largest group in this category. They represent over 20% and predominantly consist of ethnic Kurds. Kurdish families often apply for refugee status together, usually depending on the earnings of the parents, especially the fathers.

*The building housing Japan's Immigration Services Agency. April 25, 2024. (©Kyodo)*

On the other hand, individuals who are temporarily released from detention facilities while contesting deportation due to illegal stay often engage in unreported employment. In Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, which has a significant Kurdish population, Mayor Nobuo Okunoki is advocating for a new system. His proposed system would allow such individuals to work legally.

Asylum Seeker Surge Under Democratic Party

The number of asylum seekers increased sharply from about 1,800 in 2011 to a peak of 20,000 in 2017. Despite this, public support payments consistently decreased from 2011 to 2020.

In May 2009, the MOFA depleted its public support funds, resulting in the suspension of payments to over 100 individuals. This led to substantial criticism from support organizations. In response, the Democratic Party government, which assumed office in September 2009, introduced a policy in April 2010 permitting all asylum seekers to work.

Allowing asylum seekers to work under this policy led to a spike in applications, even as the number of public support recipients declined. However, the number of applicants dropped sharply after the policy was terminated in January 2018.

Fraudulent Claims Strain Support System

Fraudulent claims and false applications have become a growing issue in the distribution of public support. A Turkish factory worker in Kawaguchi City was arrested in February 2012 for fraudulently claiming public support despite having income and savings.

*A simultaneous patrol of Japanese police and immigrant leaders was carried out in Saitama Prefecture to ensure the safety of foreign residents. November 4, 2023. (© Sankei by Kanata Iwasaki)*

In a separate case in March 2019, a Cameroonian club worker in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture was arrested on similar charges.

The Refugee Assistance Headquarters in Tokyo is operated by the Foundation for the Welfare and Education of the Asian People under contract with the MOFA. They explain, "We conduct interviews and screenings with the applicants when disbursing funds." Since the payments are made in cash, they also "verify the recipients' living conditions each month. We do this when they come to collect their public support before we hand over the funds."