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In a rare move, Japan grants asylum to 98 Afghans
Japan has granted refugee status to 98 people who fled Afghanistan in the past year, Kydo News reported.
According to the Japanese news agency, the newly recognized refugees comprise staff who worked at the Japanese Embassy in Kabul.
They were among more than 800 Afghans who fled to Japan.
The evacuees also included people working for the Japan International Cooperation Agency and private organizations as well as their families.
Japan accepts a significantly lower number of refugees than other countries. Last year, it granted asylum to 74 refugees, including nine Afghan nationals.
The 98 newly recognized Afghan refugees have been granted a period of stay of five years, and will be eligible to apply for permanent residency if they meet the requirements.