Resettlement

UNHCR Japan does not resettle or relocate refugees or asylum-seekers to another country.

UNHCR’s recognition as a refugee or a registration number might be indicated as a standard requirement for resettlement to another country. UNHCR in Japan is not in a position to conduct refugee status determination* thus such a requirement is not relevant to cases located in Japan. UNHCR does not register refugees or issue any certificates or letters to asylum-seekers and refugees in Japan.

If you wish to relocate to another country for education (link to the website for “refugee scholarships”), family reunion or other purposes, please consult the embassy/diplomatic mission of the country concerned in Japan. 

(*) Japan is a party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, therefore, the Japanese authorities are responsible for the protection of refugees, including refugee status determination, in Japan. 

UNHCR Japan cannot assist in resettlement to Japan.

Resettlement is not a right and availability of resettlement spaces are limited to a very small number of refugees globally each year. If you are a refugee living outside Japan and would like to consult with UNHCR, you may contact UNHCR office in your locality to receive advice on the available services and support offered by UNHCR and its partners. See also UNHCR HELP pages covering UNHCR operations in various countries (Link).   

There are several tertiary education scholarship programs offered by the Government of Japan targeting certain Syrian refugees (in Jordan and Lebanon), and other scholarship opportunities offered by private entities/organizations in Japan. It is recommended that you consult with UNHCR offices in Jordan or Lebanon or see the relevant information on the programs at Japanese Initiative for the future of Syrian Refugees (JISR).