Today, we attended to some visitation appointments and applications for temporary release at the Immigration Bureau in Ibaraki.
We visited three people: Iranian “A”-san, Pakistani “M”-san, and Nigerian “G”-san. All three have been kept in detention for a long time (6+ months). “M”-san has lost roughly 17 kilos since entering and we noticed a dramatic increase in gray hairs. “M”-san, who also has a Japanese spouse and children, talked about how difficult it has been to say goodbye to the children each time they visit.
“A”-san said, while pointing to scar on his forehead, that a few days ago, “I did something pretty stupid and started banging my head on the wall."
The psychological impact of these indefinite detentions is very scary. Just a few months ago a Brazilian committed suicide in this very facility. Apparently on the day of the suicide the Brazilian was talking to his family on the phone and had asked his child, "Where would you like to go when I get my temporary release?" And yet that night he committed suicide (“A”-san shared this story.)
Is it necessary to push these men and women into such a mental state? We cannot help but feel angry.
About Us
- APFS
- APFS was established in the late 1980's when “newcomers” (the latest wave of immigrants) were making their way to Japan in great numbers. Japan was at the height of an economic bubble. However, it was long before the word “multiculturalism” became widely acknowledged in Japanese society, and foreign residents in Japan often had to face harsh reality of prejudice and oppression at their work place and in their daily lives . Under such circumstances, APFS was formed by Bangladeshi and Japanese members with the aim of creating a flourishing multicultural society in Japan based on a trusting relationship among its members. APFS started its history by fostering friendship between the Bangladeshi and Japanese, but we today have over 3200 members from 13 different countries. Living in Japan as a non-Japanese resident can be quite tough sometimes., particularly if you are a undocumented migrant. APFS provide support to non-Japanese residents through our consultation service that covers various issues such as medical care, visa status and labour problems. We also put a lot of effort into education programs to raise awareness regarding cultural diversity in Japanese society.