COVID-19 cluster discovered at immigration facility as new strain spreads in Japan
The new variant, which features the so-called E484K mutation that may undermine vaccine effectiveness, has been identified in 93 cases in the nation.
Government approves bill to bail asylum-seekers from long-term detention
Some will be released under the proposed law if they pay up to ¥3 million, while forced medical treatment will be permitted in detention to prevent deaths through hunger strikes.
Residency rules impoverish Kurdish refugees as pandemic strips away support
Many who seek asylum in Japan, and are released from detention on condition that they do not work, now find they can't afford medical care or food.
Foreign detainees let go temporarily amid pandemic have nowhere to go
Many have been left without means of support, as they are prohibited from working and are not eligible to receive any administrative assistance.
Amnesty calls on Japan to set detention limits for foreigners
Japan is considering allowing foreign nationals applying for refugee status to be released and providing financial support to help them cover basic living costs.
Eased work rules are lifeline for foreign ex-students stuck in Japan
While a decision this week by immigration authorities didn't make big headlines, it was a ray of hope for thousands of students keen to work and unable to return home.
Fake residence cards proliferating as more non-Japanese overstay
Investigators acted on 748 cases of possession, forgery and other offenses involving residence cards in 2019 alone, according to the National Police Agency.
Foreign travelers to Japan plummeted 75% in first half of 2020
The drop is the first since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami devastated the Tohoku region.
Japan plans to release asylum seekers facing long-term detention
Under the new measures, the agency is also considering providing financial support for those who are released to help them cover basic living costs.
Japan to loosen border enforcement measures to allow in new arrivals
The country will start allowing entry for long-term residents and international students, regardless of where they come from, reports say.
A costly waiting game for inbound foreign workers
While some permanent residents and students are slowly trickling back into Japan, businesses are waiting to hear if new hires can join their ranks.
Japan to allow stranded foreign technical interns to switch jobs
The Immigration Services Agency said around 24,200 foreign trainees were stuck in the country as of Friday, and the number of such interns is expected to grow.
