The Japanese government has denied claims it plans to create a special visa category for Nigerians seeking to relocate to Kisarazu, a city recently designated as Nigeria’s “hometown” under a new exchange initiative.
Recall that during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama last week, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched the “JICA Africa Hometown” programme to strengthen ties between African nations and Japanese local governments.
Four African countries were paired with four Japanese cities: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
Following the announcement, a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, had claimed that Japan would introduce “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.”
It also stated that artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria “who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.”
The claim was widely reported in both local and international media.
However, in a statement released Monday, Japan’s foreign ministry clarified that no such visa plans exist.
It confirmed that the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative is solely aimed at fostering cultural and developmental exchanges through events, including those involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.
“On the other hand, there are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries, and the series of reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true,” the ministry stated.
It added that official updates on the programme will continue to be communicated through appropriate channels.
