Japan refutes claims of special visa scheme for skilled Nigerians
By Jeffrey Agbo
The government of Japan has dismissed reports suggesting it intends to introduce a special visa programme for skilled Nigerians relocating to Kisarazu, the city recently recognised as Nigeria’s “hometown” under a cultural exchange framework.
Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, had issued a statement on August 22 alleging that Tokyo would establish “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.”
The statement further claimed, “Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.”
But in a counter-statement released on Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs debunked the assertion, clarifying that no such immigration arrangements exist.
The ministry explained that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Africa Hometown Project was strictly a cultural and economic exchange programme, designed to promote partnerships between selected Japanese municipalities and African nations through activities such as exchange events involving JICA overseas volunteers.
It stressed: “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 added that Tokyo would continue to provide “accurate and appropriate statements” to prevent the spread of misleading information.
The clarification follows the official unveiling of the JICA Africa Hometown initiative during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama last week.
As part of the programme, JICA paired four Japanese cities with four African nations: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
While acknowledging the cultural partnership arrangement, the Japanese authorities reiterated that it does not include immigration incentives or the establishment of any new visa category.
