Japan has refuted claims of introducing a special visa category for skilled Nigerians relocating to Kisarazu, a city designated as Nigeria’s “hometown” under the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) “JICA Africa Hometown” programme. The programme, launched during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), aims to foster exchanges between four African countries and four Japanese cities: Kisarazu (Nigeria), Nagai (Tanzania), Sanjo (Ghana), and Imabari (Mozambique).
In a statement on August 26, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified,
“There are no plans to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries.”
This contradicts earlier reports, including a statement from Nigeria’s State House, which suggested a special visa for highly skilled and talented Nigerians, as well as artisans willing to upskill, to work in Kisarazu.
The JICA initiative focuses on cultural and cooperative exchanges, such as events involving JICA volunteers, rather than immigration incentives. Japan’s existing J-Skip visa for highly skilled professionals remains available, requiring a job offer, specific income thresholds, and strong academic or professional credentials. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to accurate reporting on the matter.
