Breaking: Japan Speaks Out Over Plans to Create Special Visas for Skilled Nigerians

The Japanese government has refuted claims of creating special visas for skilled Nigerians looking to relocate to Kisarazu city, designated as Nigeria's hometown under the JICA Hometown initiative. The denial follows reports citing a statement from the Nigerian State House suggesting Japan would open a special visa category for Nigerians to live and work in Kisarazu.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry clarified that the JICA Hometown program is aimed at encouraging cultural and developmental exchanges, not immigration. The ministry emphasized the need for accurate communication to avoid future misinterpretation of the initiative.

This clarification comes after Nigeria and Japan recently strengthened bilateral relations, with Kisarazu City officially named Nigeria's hometown during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). The special visa program introduced by Japan is intended to attract Nigerian students, skilled workers, and professionals.