The Japanese government has denied reports that it plans to introduce a special visa scheme for Nigerians wishing to live and work in Kisarazu, a city recently designated as Nigeria’s “hometown” under a new exchange programme.
Last week, during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative to strengthen ties between African countries and Japanese local governments.
Under the programme, Kisarazu was paired with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
A statement issued by Nigeria’s State House on August 22 had claimed Japan would create “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” moving to Kisarazu, adding that artisans and blue-collar workers ready to upskill would also benefit.
The report was widely circulated in local and international media.
However, Japan’s foreign ministry, in a statement on Monday, dismissed the claims as false.
It clarified that the initiative only seeks to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including volunteer activities, and does not involve new immigration or visa measures.
“There are no plans to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries,” the ministry stated, assuring that accurate information will continue to be provided on the programme.
