The Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau on Monday rejected applications by nine Afghan men for refugee status, saying the applicants "lack credibility as refugees because some left their country for the purpose of getting jobs."
Lawyers for the Afghans said they will seek a re-examination of the applications or ask a court to rescind the bureau's decision.
The bureau conveyed its decision to four of the men, who are currently being detained in Kita Ward, Tokyo, on suspicion of illegal entry.
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