Japan receives more refugees from Ukraine in 4 months than from all other countries in 30 years - The Washington Post

The Washington Post shared the story. After February 24, 2022, Japan received 1,316 refugees from Ukraine. As early as March 2, a week after Russia's invasion, the Japanese prime minister officially announced a change in migration rules. The country has welcomed not only Ukrainians who have relatives or acquaintances in Japan, but also anyone seeking asylum because of the conflict.

"Government agencies have been uncharacteristically generous in providing allowances, mental health support, language classes and housing to help Ukrainians adjust to their new lives. Now, refugee groups are wondering whether this swift response could serve as a model for future humanitarian crises and conflicts. Japan, one of the world’s richest countries, has some of the most restrictive policies toward refugees and asylum seekers," WP writes.

Until now, Japan has been considered a cool country for refugees. The publication cites data from the Vatican's website on refugees, where Japan has the lowest level of asylum among developed countries. Since 1982, when Japan passed its refugee laws, 87,892 people have applied for refugee status. Only about 1% of applicants, 915 people, agreed. In 2021, Japan granted refugee status to 74 applicants.

This continued until Russia attacked Ukraine. In a few months, Japan has received more Ukrainians than refugees from all other countries in 30 years. Assistance to Ukrainians includes help desk, free temporary housing and long-term public housing with free utilities, discounts on public transport and language support.

"The conflict has triggered a dramatic response by Japan, amid concerns that Russia’s invasion could embolden China’s growing military assertiveness in the region. There is also broad public support for Ukrainians — which is unusual given the tepid Japanese interest in other crises that triggered an outflow of refugees, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the military coup in Myanmar and the Syrian war," WP adds.