‎Why Japan’s invitation to Nigerians migration programme sparks mixed reactions‎

‎By Chioma Obinagwam
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‎Japan’s recent designation of Kisarazu as the “hometown” for Nigerians under a new visa program, announced at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in August 2025, aims to address its acute labour shortages while fostering cultural exchange.

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‎Opportechies learns that Japan faces a demographic crisis with an aging population and declining birth rates, with 14 percent of its workforce being senior citizens. Sectors like construction, healthcare, and logistics urgently need workers, with the government planning to integrate 820,000 foreign workers by 2029, including Nigerians, in fields like transportation. Kisarazu’s program offers skilled Nigerians and artisans special visas, potentially leading to permanent residency, as a strategic move to bolster Japan’s economy.

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‎The initiative has sparked mixed reactions. Proponents see it as a win-win: Nigeria’s youthful population, with 57 percent unemployed or underemployed, can access opportunities abroad, while Japan fills labor gaps. Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Florence Adeseke, praised the program for strengthening bilateral ties. However, critics highlight potential brain drain, as seen with 16,000 Nigerian doctors leaving in recent years, exacerbating local shortages. A tweet from @ParallelFacts warned, “Exporting talent without reciprocity risks Nigeria’s future.”

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‎Concerns also arise about integration. Japan’s historically restrictive immigration policies and reports of discrimination against Black people raise fears of segregation in designated “hometowns.” @WomenRightsNG tweeted, “Will Nigerians face fair treatment, or be isolated in Kisarazu?” The program’s success hinges on addressing these issues, ensuring mutual benefits, and countering skepticism about Nigeria’s talent export policy under President Tinubu’s National Talent Export Programme. While offering economic opportunities, Japan and Nigeria must prioritize equitable integration and safeguards against exploitation to align with sustainable development goals.