By Chidimma Okwara
The Japanese government has denied reports that it plans to create a special visa category for skilled Nigerians. This clarification comes after a statement from the Nigerian presidency claimed that Japan would offer a “special dispensation visa” for highly skilled Nigerians and artisans to live and work in the city of Kisarazu.
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Key Points about the JICA Africa Hometown Initiative:
Four Japanese cities paired with four African countries
- Kisarazu, Japan – Nigeria
- Nagai, Japan – Tanzania
- Sanjo, Japan – Ghana
- Imabari, Japan – Mozambique
- Activities: Exchange events, cultural exchanges, and knowledge sharing through JICA overseas cooperation volunteers
Here is a breakdown of the situation:
The Nigerian Government’s Statement: In a press release, the Nigerian Presidency announced that Japan had designated Kisarazu as a “hometown” for Nigerians and would create a special visa category as part of a strategic effort to deepen cultural and economic ties.
Japan’s Official Response: Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, debunked the claim, calling the reports “contrary to the facts.” The ministry clarified that the “JICA Africa Hometown” program is a cultural and economic exchange initiative. It is meant to promote people-to-people links through various activities, including exchange events involving volunteers. The ministry explicitly stated, “there are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries.“
The Real Purpose of the “Hometown” Initiative: The “JICA Africa Hometown” program connects four Japanese cities with four African countries (Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique). The goal is to foster partnerships for cultural exchange and support local revitalization in Japanese municipalities facing a declining population.
The Japanese Visa System for Skilled Workers: While there is no special visa for Nigerians, Japan does have a “Specified Skilled Worker” (SSW) visa program aimed at addressing its labor shortage in certain sectors. This visa is open to all nationalities who meet the required criteria, including passing skills and Japanese language tests. It allows foreign nationals to work in fields such as nursing care, construction, agriculture, and hospitality. However, this is a general visa program and not a special, nation-specific one for Nigerians as previously reported.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry emphasized that there are no plans to promote immigration or issue special visas for residents of African countries, and they will ensure accurate communication to avoid future misinterpretations. This clarification follows widespread reports citing a statement from the Nigerian State House, which claimed that Japan would open a special dispensation visa for Nigerians to live and work in Kisarazu
