Myanmar refugees arrive in Japan for resettlement

NHK သတင္းမွ......

Eighteen Myanmar refugees from a Thai camp have arrived in Japan for resettlement.

They are the first accepted by Japan under its program to support refugees fleeing conflict or persecution at home who have settled in a third country.

The 3 families were living in a camp in northwestern Thailand, after fleeing Myanmar to escape oppression by the country's military government.

At Narita airport near Tokyo on Tuesday, they first appeared surprised at moving walkways and other facilities. They smiled with relief when they were welcomed by many people including their compatriots already living in Japan.

A woman said that she is pleased that her children can go to school in Japan.

The refugees will take part in a 6-month training program to learn the language and other skills they need to live in the country. They then plan to look for houses and jobs.

The Japanese government will accept a total 90 refugees from Myanmar over the next 3 years.