Asylum in Japan

I arrived in Japan and I wish to claim asylum. Can UNHCR assist me?

The Government of Japan has established the procedures for determining whether people claiming asylum are refugees. For this reason, UNHCR cannot assist with submitting or determining your asylum claims in Japan. Please refer to the information provided by the Immigration Service Agency (ISA) of the Government of Japan here.  

Note: ISA’s guide to the procedure for recognition of refugee status is available in 14 languages as of April 2024: Japanese, English, Turkish, Burmese, Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Dari, and Pashtun.

UNHCR recommends that you seek the advice and most up-to date information from UNHCR’s partner, the Japan Association for Refugees, or a lawyer, in preparing your asylum claim.

I have applied for refugee status in Japan, but my claim has not been successful. Can UNHCR assist me?

UNHCR is not involved in determining asylum claims in Japan. UNHCR recommends that you seek the advice of the Japan Association for Refugees or a lawyer in preparing your appeal or litigation.


Related information

>>>> Helpful services
>>>> UNHCR in Japan
>>>>Resettlement to Japan
>>>> Reunification with family in Japan