Reports that Japan planned a special visa for skilled Nigerians moving to Kisarazu have been refuted by the Japanese government.
On August 22, State House Information Director Abiodun Oladunjoye announced that Japan would establish “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu.”
The statement also claimed: “Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special visa.”
However, Japan’s foreign ministry denied the report on Monday. It confirmed no plans exist for such a visa program.
The ministry explained that JICA’s Africa Hometown program only fosters cultural and economic exchanges between four Japanese cities and four African nations.
The ministry stressed: “There are no plans to promote immigration or issue special visas for Africans. Reports suggesting otherwise are not true.”
It added that Japan will continue to release accurate information to counter misinformation.
The clarification followed the JICA Africa Hometown program launch during TICAD9 in Yokohama. The initiative promotes collaboration between Japanese cities and African nations.
Under the agreement, JICA paired Imabari with Mozambique, Sanjo with Ghana, Nagai with Tanzania, and Kisarazu with Nigeria.
The Japanese government acknowledged the hometown program but reaffirmed that it does not include immigration policies or special visas.
