The Government of Japan has refuted claims that it is introducing a special visa programme for Nigerians intending to move to Kisarazu, the Japanese city recently twinned with Nigeria under a new cultural exchange initiative.
At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama last week, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative aimed at deepening cooperation between African nations and selected Japanese municipalities.
Under the arrangement, four Japanese cities were paired with four African countries: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
Authorities clarified that the partnership is primarily for cultural, educational, and developmental exchange, not immigration privileges.
A statement signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, director of information at the State House, had said the Japanese government would create “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work”.
“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,” the statement dated August 22 added.
The development was widely reported locally and internationally.
But in a statement on Monday, the Japanese foreign ministry denied such plans.
It confirmed that the “JICA Africa Hometown” programme plans to promote exchanges between the four Japanese cities and the four African countries through various activities, including the organisation of exchange events 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 statement added.
The Japanese foreign ministry said it would continue to issue appropriate statements on the subject.
