Japan has debunked reports suggesting it plans to introduce a special visa scheme for skilled Nigerians to relocate to Kisarazu, a city recently linked to Nigeria under the newly launched ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative.
The denial followed widespread media coverage of a State House statement that indicated the Japanese government would create “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” to live and work in Kisarazu. The same statement, signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, director of information, further claimed that artisans and blue-collar workers seeking to upgrade their skills would also benefit from the arrangement.
The reports emerged after the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held last week in Yokohama, where the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled the ‘Africa Hometown’ programme. The initiative paired four African countries with four Japanese cities—Nigeria with Kisarazu, Tanzania with Nagai, Ghana with Sanjo, and Mozambique with Imabari—to foster closer ties and cultural exchange.
However, in a statement on Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the visa claim, clarifying that the programme is strictly about exchange activities, not immigration.
“There are no plans to introduce measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for African nationals,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the scheme will involve cultural and educational exchanges such as volunteer programmes and community engagement, not residency or work migration opportunities.
The situation has drawn comparisons to a similar incident earlier this year involving the United Arab Emirates (UAE), when reports wrongly suggested that the country had lifted its visa restrictions on Nigerian passport holders—claims later denied by Emirati authorities.
Japan reiterated its commitment to deepening cooperation with African countries but stressed that immigration policies remain unchanged.
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