The Japanese Foreign Ministry and local municipalities have rectified misinformation that has been spreading on the Internet over special visas that will be issued to African residents from specific nations.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency designated four municipalities in Japan as “home towns” for African countries in August at the TICAD 9.

Nagai City in Yamagata Prefecture was officially designated as the Japanese hometown for the United Republic of Tanzania.

Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture was designated as the hometown for Nigeria.

The Tanzania Times reported that “Japan dedicated Nagai City to Tanzania,” while the Nigerian government announced that Tokyo would “create a special visa category… for young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu.”

On Google Maps, the name of Kisarazu City Hall was temporarily edited to “Nigeria City Hall.”

The announcements received backlash from netizens who believed that move was part of the Japanese government’s efforts to accept immigrants.

Nagai City said that there is “absolutely no truth” to claims that its city will “become part of Tanzania” or that it will “actively accept immigrants.”

Kisarazu City also said that the initiative is aimed at cooperating in the education of young talent, and does not involve accepting immigrants or promoting relocation. The city strongly urged JICA to accurately explain the purpose of the “Home Town” program.

JICA and the Japanese Foreign Ministry both publicized statements correcting the misinformation, saying that there are “no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries.”