Japan’s “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan” Sparks Fear Among Asylum Seekers and Long-Term Migrants as Expulsions Hit Record High

Japan's "Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan" sparks fear among asylum seekers and long-term migrants as expulsions hit record high.

Tokyo, April 9, 2026 — Japan’s aggressive crackdown on irregular migration is generating widespread anxiety and uncertainty within the foreign community, with human rights groups warning that the country’s “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan” is creating a climate of fear even among long-term residents and vulnerable asylum seekers.

Official figures released this week reveal that Japan expelled a record 318 foreign nationals in 2025 — a sharp 30% increase compared to the previous year. The surge is directly linked to the government’s new policy launched in May 2025, which prioritizes fast-track deportations for individuals who have submitted multiple asylum applications.

Of those deported, 52 people had applied for international protection three or more times, according to government data.

Growing Intolerance and Policy Pressure

The “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan” reflects a noticeable hardening of public and political attitudes toward immigration in Japan. Despite the country’s severe labour shortages and aging population, a growing segment of society views uncontrolled migration as a threat to social cohesion and public order.

The Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) has strongly criticised the policy, stating that it is generating intense insecurity among foreigners — including those who have lived in Japan for decades, integrated into society, and even minors who were born or raised in the country and speak Japanese fluently.

“Many of these individuals face genuine risks if returned to their countries of origin,” a JAR spokesperson said. “The current approach is creating a climate of fear that is affecting not only recent arrivals but also long-term foreign residents who have contributed to Japanese society.”

Real Cases Highlight Human Cost

Human rights organisations have documented several troubling cases. One prominent example involves a Kurdish family deported to Turkey last year. Upon arrival, the father was reportedly arrested, raising serious concerns about refoulement — the forced return of individuals to places where they may face persecution.

JAR and other groups have called on the Japanese government to conduct more thorough individual assessments before deportation, particularly in cases involving families with children or people with established roots in Japan.

Sharp Rise in Asylum Applications, Low Recognition Rate

Despite the tougher stance, the number of people seeking asylum in Japan continues to climb. In 2025, Japan received 14,832 asylum applications — a significant increase from 8,377 the previous year.

However, the recognition rate remains extremely low. Japan granted refugee status to only 187 individuals in 2025, three fewer than the year before. This combination of rising applications and low approval rates has created a large backlog of rejected claimants who are now facing accelerated deportation under the new plan.

Japan’s Demographic Dilemma

The policy shift comes at a time when Japan is grappling with one of the world’s most severe demographic crises. The country’s working-age population is shrinking rapidly, and many industries — from caregiving and agriculture to manufacturing and hospitality — are desperately short of workers.

Critics argue that while the government is right to control irregular migration, the current approach risks damaging Japan’s ability to attract and retain the very foreign talent it needs to sustain its economy and support its aging society.

International and Domestic Reactions

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and local refugee support groups, have urged Japan to adopt a more balanced and humane approach. They call for better integration programmes, fairer asylum processing, and clearer pathways to long-term residency for those who have built lives in the country.

The government maintains that the “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan” is necessary to maintain public trust in the immigration system and to deter abuse of the asylum process. Officials emphasise that Japan continues to accept refugees and skilled workers through legal channels.

For the latest Japan immigration policy updates, asylum and deportation news, and 2026 residency guidance, explore our complete collection here: Japan Visa & Immigration Updates

Japan’s record number of expulsions and the implementation of the “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan” highlight the country’s increasingly restrictive approach to irregular migration. While the policy aims to restore order, it is creating real fear and uncertainty for thousands of foreign residents — many of whom have spent years contributing to Japanese society. How the government balances security concerns with humanitarian obligations and economic needs will define its immigration policy for years to come.