Tokyo, Japan — The Japanese government has scrapped its “JICA Africa Hometown” programme, following widespread misinformation that the initiative would open Japan’s doors to mass migration from African countries.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), who said the agency had taken the decision after “careful consultations with all parties involved.”
The move comes just weeks after Nigeria publicly claimed that Japan would create a “special visa category” for skilled Nigerians under the programme. Reports by Kyodo News quoted Nigerian officials in August as saying that young innovators would be able to relocate to Kisarazu City, which was designated as Nigeria’s partner under the scheme.
Similar claims also spread in Tanzania, where local media suggested that Nagai City would effectively become part of the East African country. These reports triggered public concern in Japan, with many residents expressing fears over immigration, public safety, and resource strain.
JICA firmly denied the existence of any such visa programme, stressing that the project was only meant to foster cultural and educational exchanges between four African countries and four Japanese cities.
“There are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries. The reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true,” JICA stated.
Despite these clarifications, protests erupted in several Japanese cities, with residents demanding the immediate cancellation of the programme. Viral social media campaigns further amplified fears that the initiative would pave the way for permanent immigration.
Acknowledging the backlash, JICA announced the termination of the “Africa Hometown” programme, saying it had never been intended as an immigration pathway.
“We take this situation seriously. After consulting with all parties involved, JICA has decided to withdraw the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative,” the agency said.
However, JICA emphasized that Japan remains committed to supporting international exchanges with African nations and would explore other ways of promoting mutual understanding outside of the now-cancelled programme.
