Japan Denies Granting Special Visa Plan for Nigerians

Japan has refuted claims that it intends to introduce a special visa category for Nigerians seeking to live and work in Kisarazu, the city it recently paired with Nigeria under a new cultural exchange initiative.

The clarification follows widespread reports last week suggesting that Tokyo would ease entry for skilled Nigerians as part of its partnership with Africa.

At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled the JICA Africa Hometown programme. 

The scheme aims to build stronger links between African nations and Japanese local governments by fostering exchange opportunities.

Under the initiative, four African countries were each matched with a Japanese city: Nigeria with Kisarazu, Tanzania with Nagai, Ghana with Sanjo, and Mozambique with Imabari.

Following the announcement, Nigeria’s State House released a statement claiming that Japan would establish a special visa window for highly skilled and talented Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu. 

The statement, signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, director of information, also suggested that artisans and blue-collar workers interested in upskilling could benefit from the arrangement.

Those reports quickly made headlines both in Nigeria and abroad. However, Japan’s foreign ministry on Monday firmly dismissed the claims.

In a statement, the ministry said the JICA Africa Hometown programme is strictly designed to promote cultural and developmental exchanges, not immigration.

“The programme seeks to encourage cooperation through exchange events, including activities with JICA volunteers,” the ministry explained. 

“However, there are no plans to create special visa categories or immigration measures for residents of African countries. Reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.”

The ministry added that it would continue to provide “accurate and appropriate information” to avoid further misinterpretation of Japan’s engagement with Africa.

While the JICA Africa Hometown initiative is expected to strengthen people-to-people ties, Tokyo made it clear that migration policies remain unchanged.