Turkish Ambassador to Japan Korkut Gungen during an interview (©Sankei by Katsuyuki Seki).
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Turkish Ambassador to Japan Korkut Gungen recently addressed public concerns about Kurdish minorities from Turkey living in Japan. Many of these ethnic Kurds live in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture.
Japan’s Ministry of Justice has classified these individuals as "migrant workers." In an interview with The Sankei Shimbun, Ambassador Gungen stated, "We also agree that economic reasons are predominant." This marks the first time the Turkish embassy has acknowledged that Kurds come to Japan primarily for work rather than as refugees.
Ambassador Gungen agreed to the interview following a Sankei Shimbun investigation into the findings of a 2004 government report. It was based on a survey conducted by Japan's then-Immigration Bureau in Kurdish villages in Turkey. (The Immigration Bureau has since been reorganized as the Immigration Services Agency under the Ministry of Justice.)
Exploiting the System
Speaking about the weak basis for recognizing Kurds as refugees, the ambassador said, "We fully share this understanding. It is common for Kurds to come to Japan for economic or social reasons," further emphasizing that their purpose is primarily employment.
He added, "Kurds are staying in Japan illegally and exploiting the refugee recognition system to extend their stay. This is the real issue. As the Republic of Turkey, we cannot in any way support such practices."
Gurgen also remarked on the visa exemption agreement between Turkey and Japan. "There are clear economic benefits, and it should naturally be maintained for the long term," he stated. "However, if it is being abused, we will cooperate with Japan’s police and immigration authorities to prevent this. Compliance with Japanese law is the top priority," he stressed.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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