Japan Denies Plans for Special Visa Scheme for Nigerians

Japan has dismissed reports suggesting it intends to introduce a special visa programme for skilled Nigerian professionals wishing to live and work in the country.

The clarification follows claims that emerged after the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, where the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled its new “Africa Hometown” initiative. The programme links four African countries with four Japanese cities, Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique, to promote cultural and developmental exchange.

Confusion arose after an August 22 statement from Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, suggested that Japan planned to create a “special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” relocating to Kisarazu. The statement further claimed artisans and blue-collar workers seeking training opportunities would also benefit.

But on Monday, Japan’s Foreign Ministry refuted the reports, stressing that the JICA Africa Hometown programme is focused on cultural and social exchange, not immigration.

“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.

It added that the initiative would instead facilitate events, community projects, and volunteer activities led by JICA cooperation staff. To avoid further misinformation, the ministry pledged to release accurate updates about the programme’s scope and objectives.