Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki holding a press conference, November 29, Ministry of Justice.
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Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki addressed the Ministry of Justice's recently revealed report concluding that some Kurdish applicants for refugee status in Japan were likely "migrant workers." However, he declined to comment when asked whether a new on-site investigation into their refugee status would be conducted. At a press conference following a Cabinet meeting on November 29, Suzuki stated, "As this pertains to individual case reviews, I am unable to comment."
Problems stemming from the behavior of some Kurdish minorities in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture have raised their public profile. However, the current issue stems from a 2004 investigation by the Immigration Bureau, now the Immigration Services Agency. The agency is part of Japan's Ministry of Justice.
An investigation concluded that the individuals in question were migrant workers based on onsite research in their home villages in Turkey. The report's findings suggested a low likelihood of their eligibility for refugee status. On November 25, The Sankei Shimbun reported these conclusions alongside its own recent investigation.
Individual Case Reviews
Suzuki confirmed that he was aware of the media coverage. He stated, "We recognize eligible refugees through individual case reviews based on information about their home countries." The minister added that the justice ministry is working to ensure it has up-to-date information about applicants' native countries.
Although two decades have passed since the 2004 refugee field survey, Suzuki declined to comment on the prospect of another. However, he noted that "if administrative litigation is filed over any refugee status denial, supplementary investigations may follow."
RELATED:
- Sealed Report on Refugee Claims of Some Kurds Raises Questions
- Why is Kurdish Immigration to Japan on the Rise?
- Kawaguchi Locals Speak Out on Concerns about Immigrant Influx
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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