Last war in Ukraine: Russian ambassador discusses security cooperation with Chinese official

Japan will allow Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion to enter the country even if they have no relatives or acquaintances in the country, a move that signals a major shift in Japan’s recognition of refugees, which has previously been criticized by the international community became.

Hirokazu Matsuno, chief cabinet secretary, said at a cabinet meeting on Friday that Japan will “always accept Ukrainians who want to evacuate to Japan.”

He told reporters that relevant ministries and agencies are discussing and coordinating ways to provide assistance to make it easier for displaced people to remain in Japan.

Previously, the government had required Ukrainians to have relatives or acquaintances in Japan to act as guarantors. According to the government, nearly 1,900 Ukrainians have Japanese resident status.

The crisis is prompting the Japanese government to reconsider its traditionally tough policy towards people fleeing conflict, including refugees and asylum-seekers.

In 2020, 3,936 people in Japan applied for refugee status, but only 47 were accepted, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, sparking a backlash from international human rights organizations.

Matsuno said the documents required for visa applications for Ukrainians will be simplified to ease their entry, while the government will connect evacuees who have no ties in Japan with local governments and businesses.

He said they would also be relieved of the need to present a negative Covid-19 test result upon entry.

Meanwhile, Japan on Friday also decided to freeze the assets of 15 Russian individuals and nine organizations, including government officials and oligarchs, as the country widens sanctions against Russia.