The Japanese government has dismissed reports claiming it planned to introduce a special visa category for Nigerians seeking to relocate to Kisarazu under a new cultural exchange initiative.
The clarification followed speculation after the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, where the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched the “JICA Africa Hometown” programme to deepen ties between African nations and Japanese local governments.
Under the initiative, four Japanese cities were paired with four African countries: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
Earlier reports, including a statement dated August 22 from Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, suggested that Japan would create a visa scheme for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians, as well as artisans seeking to upskill, to live and work in Kisarazu.
In a statement on Monday, however, the Japanese Foreign Ministry described the reports as inaccurate. It clarified that the JICA Africa Hometown programme is limited to cultural and people-to-people exchanges, such as events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.
“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 said.
The ministry added that it would continue to release official statements to prevent future misunderstandings about the programme.
