Japan has refuted reports claiming it planned to establish a special visa category for Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu, a city it recently designated as Nigeria’s “hometown.”
Gatekeepers News reports that during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative to deepen ties between African nations and Japanese local governments.
Under the programme, Kisarazu was paired with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
A statement earlier issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, director of information at the State House, had stated that 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.
It added that the 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.
However, the Japanese foreign ministry on Monday dismissed these claims, clarifying that the “JICA Africa Hometown” project is focused on promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
According to the ministry, the initiative seeks to foster connections through various activities, including the organisation of exchange events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.
The ministry stressed that 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.
It added that Japan would continue to ensure appropriate communication on the matter.
