The Japanese government has dismissed reports suggesting it created a new visa category for skilled Nigerians.

In a statement issued through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan clarified that the recently launched JICA Africa Hometown Initiative is not related to immigration but rather designed to foster exchanges between African countries and Japanese local governments.

Unveiled last week, the initiative aims to promote cultural and developmental partnerships, building on lessons from past projects of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“There are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries. The series of reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true,” the ministry stated.

Japan explained that under the programme, JICA would facilitate exchanges between four Japanese cities and four African countries through activities such as cultural events and collaborations involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.