A Russian man who successfully sought political asylum in Japan earlier than the beginning of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine mentioned Thursday that Japanese immigration authorities have granted him particular permission to remain.
In mid-March, the person, who has spoken out towards Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authorities, was granted a one-year “designated actions” visa, which has no restrictions on motion and permits employment beneath sure situations.
He mentioned he feared he can be imprisoned or despatched to battle within the battle on Ukraine if he returned dwelling.
The constructing that homes the Immigration Companies Company of Japan in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on April 25, 2024. (Kyodo)
Whereas it’s uncommon for a Russian citizen to be granted permission to remain in Japan after making use of for refugee standing, the federal government probably took into consideration the extreme Russian crackdowns on anti-regime sentiment which have occurred because the begin of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Within the 5 years via 2023, lots of the people who’ve been granted refugee standing or given a particular residency allow based mostly on humanitarian issues had been from Asia, the Center East and Africa, and no Russian was included, in line with the Immigration Companies Company of Japan.
The company has but to launch information for this 12 months.
The person entered Japan earlier than the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and utilized for refugee standing whereas being detained in an immigration facility.
He was later permitted provisional launch however his entry particulars and placement haven’t been disclosed attributable to considerations he might be surveilled by Russian authorities.
The case comes after Japanese immigration authorities final 12 months granted long-term visas as a particular exception to 2 Russian girls who left their nation in opposition to its invasion of Ukraine.
The pair, who had been permitted to change from short-term to scholar visas with out first returning to their dwelling nation as usually required, didn’t apply for refugee standing.
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