Japan will soon open an office to provide free Japanese language lessons to refugees and to help them find work, the Cabinet Office said on Monday.
The Japanese government accepts refugees only after it deems they will probably suffer persecution in their home countries, for religious, political or other reasons, if they are forced to return.
The government will commission the Foundation for the Welfare and Education of the Asian People to do the work. About 10 refugees have already been listed to receive help there in fiscal 2006.
They are expected to come to the office and receive Japanese language classes for a total of 572 hours and attend guidance programs on Japanese customs. Job introductions and work consultations are also available.
"I appreciate the service as a first step in governmental assistance for refugees," said international law professor Hiroshi Honma of Hosei University.
Honma added that more assistance by local governments in such areas as language education, medical services, and job placement would be necessary in the future.
Japan accepted 46 people as refugees in 2005. (Mainichi)
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060306p2a00m0na028000c.html
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