Japan Poll Shows Reluctance To Accept Refugees


Japan poll shows reluctance to accept refugees

A Japanese government survey shows that more than half of the respondents think the country accepts only a limited number of refugees. But only around a quarter want a more welcoming approach.

The Cabinet Office conducted its first survey on the country's immigration policy in November of last year, covering 3,000 people aged 18 or older. 1,572 people responded.

Fifty-five percent of the respondents said Japan accepts only a low number of refugees. 11 percent said the country accepts many of them. 19 percent answered that the number is not a matter of high or low, because it is the result of judgments based on rules.

The poll asked about the ideal future of Japan's refugee policies. Only 24 percent said the country should accept more of them. 57 percent said the country should take a cautious approach in accepting them while 16 percent said the country should retain the current policy.

Of those who want a cautious approach, 67 percent said they fear a worsening of public safety. 39 percent said cultural differences may make their lives difficult. 36 percent cited the expense of assisting in resettlement and other factors as an increase in the burden on the social welfare system.