Japanese immigration authorities recognized 1,661 people as "quasi-refugees" in 2024, the first year after the new status was introduced.



Revisions to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act paved the way for the status, which has been in place since December 2023.



It applies to people fleeing conflicts or at risk of persecution in their home countries, for reasons not covered by the international refugee convention.



The Immigration Services Agency says people from Ukraine accounted for 1,618 of those given the quasi-refugee status last year. Others include 17 from Syria and 13 from Myanmar.



A total of 190 people were granted full refugee status in 2024, down 113 from the year before. They include 102 from Afghanistan, 36 from Myanmar and 18 from Yemen.



Under a new policy that took effect last June, those who apply for refugee status more than twice are subject to deportation unless they have reasonable grounds. The measure is intended to deter repeat claims for asylum.



Immigration officials say 17 people were deported under the policy in the six months through December 2024.



Officials say the cases were screened individually. They say they hope to continue acting promptly and appropriately in recognizing foreign nationals who are entitled to protection.