On June 18, 2025, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan submitted a bill to the Diet on urgent issues in the immigration and residence control system. We summarize and analyze the stances of major political parties as of June 2025 on immigration policy, refugees, and coexistence with foreigners.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
- Basic Stance: Strict Enforcement Against Illegal or Fraudulent Stays
The LDP advocates a strong response to illegal or fraudulent stays, including stricter handling of forged residence cards and improved deportation processes through inter-ministerial cooperation. The party promotes proper implementation of the revised Immigration Control Act (2023), aiming for prompt deportation of individuals without valid residency status. - On Refugees and Complementary Protection
The party supports reforms to accept refugees needing international protection and promises to provide Japanese language education and life support for those under the complementary protection scheme. - Position on Immigration Policy
In responses to NGO surveys, the LDP took a cautious or neutral stance on revising the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), granting local voting rights to permanent residents, and enacting anti-discrimination laws.
Komeito (LDP coalition partner)
- Promotion of a Harmonious Society and Support for Complementary Protection
Komeito supports the smooth implementation of the new complementary protection system (especially for Ukrainian evacuees), with equal access to healthcare, employment, and education similar to convention refugees. - On Permanent Residency and Integration
Advocates for transparent guidelines for granting permanent residency to self-reliant, law-abiding foreigners. Maintains a cautious stance on political rights for foreigners. - Moderate Flexibility
While the party is supportive of reforms in the technical intern system, it remains undecided on issues like immigration detention and local suffrage.
Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP)
- Critical of Current Immigration Law and Proposes Alternatives
CDP strongly opposed the 2023 amendment to the Immigration Act, citing concerns over arbitrary refugee screening and excessive detention. It has proposed alternatives, such as third-party refugee review panels, judicial oversight of detention, and deportation bans. - Proactive Policy Positions
In surveys, CDP supported 9 out of 11 major items, including expanding refugee intake, abolishing TITP, easing permanent residency, and establishing a refugee protection law. - Opposes Detention and Deportation Practices
Advocates for ending blanket detention policies, implementing judicial oversight, and banning deportation during refugee applications.
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party)
- Wary of “Fake Refugees,” but Supportive of Humanitarian Approaches
The party has expressed concern over bogus asylum seekers but supports humanitarian responses like improving medical aid and refugee procedures. - Ambiguous Positions
In many cases, the party answered “undecided” in policy surveys regarding detention, refugee screening, and permanent residency reforms.
Japanese Communist Party (JCP)
- Calls for Systemic Overhaul
Advocates for:- Creating an independent refugee recognition body
- Ending mandatory detention and enforced deportation
- Granting local suffrage to permanent residents
- Abolishing revocation of permanent residency
- Enacting a Refugee Protection Act
- Fully Supportive in Surveys
The JCP expressed agreement with all major reform proposals in NGO surveys, indicating a deeply human-rights-centered approach.
Reiwa Shinsengumi
- Human Rights-Centered Reform Agenda
Calls for legal clarity in immigration detention, judicial review, and limitations on detention periods. - Fully Supportive in Policy Surveys
Reiwa agreed with all 11 major reform proposals, including abolishing the TITP and granting voting rights to long-term foreign residents.
Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Fundamental Institutional Reform
Proposes abolishing the current Immigration Control Act and replacing it with separate laws for immigration control and refugee protection. Supports local voting rights and opposes forced deportation. - Strong Pro-Human Rights Stance
Fully supportive of all key reform proposals, including banning prolonged detention and introducing anti-discrimination laws.
Democratic Party for the People (DPP)
- Cautious Approach to Immigration Policy
Emphasizes the need for a well-planned, national strategy rather than ad hoc acceptance of immigrants. Calls for careful review of permanent residency policies. - Ambivalent in Policy Surveys
Gave “undecided” responses to most reform proposals, including refugee protection laws and political rights for foreigners.
🧾 Comparative Summary
| Party | Detention/Deportation | Refugee/Complementary Protection | TITP Reform | Voting Rights | Refugee Law | Overall Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDP | Strict | Support with limits | Cautious | Opposed | Opposed | Restrictive but structured |
| Komeito | Balanced | Active Support | Moderate | Undecided | Neutral | Stable administration |
| CDP | Judicial oversight | Independent recognition system | Reformist | Supportive | Supportive | Human-rights leaning |
| Ishin | Undecided | Reform with concerns | Neutral | Undecided | Undecided | Centrist |
| Communist Party | Abolitionist | Full overhaul | Abolition | Strongly supportive | Strongly supportive | Progressive Left |
| Reiwa | Clear reform demand | Humanitarian focus | Abolition | Supportive | Supportive | Strongly progressive |
| SDP | Institutional reform | Legal restructuring | Abolition | Supportive | Supportive | Strongly progressive |
| DPP | Careful review | Case-by-case | Undecided | Undecided | Neutral | Cautious centrist |
🔍 Outlook
- LDP and Komeito (Ruling coalition) are focusing on balancing enforcement with structured support for legitimate refugees, but face criticism over human rights concerns.
- CDP stands as the major opposition with a clearly reformist agenda that emphasizes transparency, legal oversight, and international standards.
- Communist Party, Reiwa, and SDP take the most progressive positions, calling for drastic reforms or abolishment of current frameworks.
- Ishin and DPP remain in the middle, advocating for structured planning while avoiding strong positions on individual reforms.
✳️ Conclusion
Japan’s immigration and refugee policies remain a deeply contested area, with ruling parties leaning towards regulated acceptance and firm deportation, while opposition parties—especially on the left—push for a more humane, rights-based approach. The direction of future reforms will depend on parliamentary dynamics, public opinion, and international scrutiny.