Japan has denied Nigeria’s announcement of a special visa program for skilled workers in Kisarazu, clarifying that the initiative is limited to cultural exchange and business collaboration.
Following the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) on August 22, Nigerian officials claimed it would ease immigration for talented youths amid Japan’s aging population challenges.
A statement signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, director of information at the State House, had said the Japanese government would create “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.
“Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan,” the statement dated August 22 added.
However, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Kisarazu’s mayor, Yoshikuni Watanabe, refuted this, emphasizing no visa changes.
It confirmed that the “JICA Africa Hometown” programme plans to promote exchanges between the four Japanese cities and the four African countries through various activities, including the organisation of exchange events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.
“On the other hand, 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 statement added.
The Japanese foreign ministry said it would continue to issue appropriate statements on the subject.
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