Japan’s reaction follows social media reactions to reports that Tokyo is launching a special visa programme to welcome African migrants to help with labor shortages and revitalise its shrinking rural areas.
Under the “JICA Africa Hometown” programme, four Japanese cities are designated as “hometowns” for four African countries, with the goal of promoting exchanges between the four Japanese cities and the four African countries through various activities, according to another ministry statement on Monday.
“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.
Last week, the TICAD 9 hosted representatives, including presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers from nearly 50 African nations in Yokohama, near the capital, Tokyo.
AloJapan.com