Japan Immigration News

Japan denies promoting immigration from Africa as misinformation spreads

Release Date: 2025-08-26
Media: KYODO NEWS
Summary: The Japanese government has denied promoting immigration from Africa after public backlash and misinformation followed the launch of the "Africa Hometown" program by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This initiative, announced during a Japan-led conference on African development, paired four Japanese cities with African countries to promote cultural and economic exchange:

Imabari (Mozambique)

Kisarazu (Nigeria)

Sanjo (Ghana)

Nagai (Tanzania)

Some false reports suggested Japan planned to issue special visas to African migrants, particularly after a Nigerian government statement mentioned a visa category for skilled Nigerians—later retracted. The Japanese Foreign Ministry clarified there are no plans to promote immigration or create special visas, emphasizing the initiative is only for cultural exchange.

Cities like Kisarazu received protest messages, and local officials criticized JICA and the Foreign Ministry for poor communication. The incident highlights Japan's ongoing sensitivity about immigration amid its strict immigration policies, despite accepting more foreign workers under specific labor programs.
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