The government plans to scrap a widely criticized rule that says refugee applications can only be accepted within 60 days of an individual's arrival, according to a draft bill.
The 60-day rule makes it easy for the government to withhold refugee status from tardy applicants. The rule has been said to symbolize Japan's reluctance to accept asylum seekers.
Experts have pointed out that many of the people who have come to Japan seeking asylum have failed to meet the deadline without even knowing it exists.