Japan has granted refugee status so far this year to 98 people who have fled Afghanistan. The figure marks the highest ever yearly number of foreigners recognized as refugees in the country.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency says 820 people have fled Afghanistan to Japan since the Taliban's return to power in August last year.

Sources say 98 of them were granted refugee status this month and that they are people who worked for the Japanese embassy in Kabul, and their family members and others.

The sources say the 98 people have been given long-term resident status and will be able to reside in Japan permanently if they fulfill certain requirements.

Last year, Japan granted refugee status to 74 foreigners, the previous record high.

Some human rights groups say Japan's criteria for refugee status are too strict compared to those in Western countries.

The Japanese government's latest move suggests it made humanitarian considerations for people who worked for Japan.