For many Nigerians exploring “japa” options beyond the usual destinations, Japan has become an attractive destination. But with the Japanese government’s new immigration protocol the move will become more expensive.

Authorities in Japan have considered changes to visa and residency fees under amendments to the Immigration Control Act. It proposes increased charges due to administrative costs—meaning more expenses for immigrants, such as Nigerians planning work and study relocation or long-term settlement.

An immediate impact on visa renewals, the cost of renewing a five-year visa could jump from 6,000 yen to about 70,000 yen (roughly $440). Short-term renewals may also increase to around 10,000 yen.

For Nigerians thinking long-term, permanent residency application fees could rise from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, with a proposed cap of 300,000 yen. This marks a financial shift for migrants who plan years ahead to transition from temporary stay to permanent status.

As of April 2026, eligibility tightens for foreign nationals who must now live in Japan continuously for at least 10 years before qualifying for citizenship. Twice the previous requirement, this could slow down long-term plans.

For Nigerian students who often use education as a pathway to international work opportunities, these changes may alter decisions about where to study. Japan has been gaining attention for its growing demand for skilled workers and relatively structured immigration pathways. However, higher costs could push many to reconsider options more carefully.

Professionals and skilled workers will likely feel the impact. High residency costs may influence job mobility, contract negotiations, and employer decisions to hire foreign talent.

While the policy is not yet official, the direction is clear: moving to Japan may require deeper financial planning.

For Nigerians considering “japa,” this development reinforces an important reality—migration is no longer just about opportunity, but also about affordability, timing, and long-term sustainability.

Nigerians should watch out for final decision on fees increase, implementation timeline, possible exemptions or reductions for students or low-income applicants, and changes in job sponsorship policies for foreign workers.

Emeka Onyeks

The Federal Government has commenced applications for the second batch of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, with selected participants set to receive a monthly stipend of N22,500.

This was made known in a statement issued on Monday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical, job-ready skills that can drive employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Programme details

According to the ministry, applications opened on April 13, 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the nationwide training scheme designed to boost technical capacity and reduce unemployment.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a key intervention to prepare youths for opportunities in a rapidly changing economy.

Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education

He noted that the government is investing in skills development to enable self-reliance, innovation, and long-term economic advancement through practical training and certification.

As part of efforts to expand its scope, the Ministry will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to incorporate creative and cultural skills into the training.

Training structure and benefits

The programme offers intensive hands-on training lasting between six months and one year at accredited centres across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Participants will receive monthly stipends throughout the training period and will be awarded nationally recognised certificates upon completion.

Training areas include construction, ICT, automotive technology, agriculture, beekeeping, creative media, fashion, cosmetology, hospitality, catering, tourism, and leather works, among others.

To ensure accountability, attendance will be tracked using biometric verification, and only participants who meet attendance requirements will receive stipends.

Applicants are required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) during registration and must be available for full participation.

Interested individuals can apply via the official TVET portal.

Background

In December 2025, the Federal Government disbursed N4.7 billion as the first tranche of payments to trainees and accredited training centres under the programme.

The TVET initiative, which began rollout in May 2025, is part of a broader strategy to tackle unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce.

Earlier, the Ministry had invited vocational institutions and master craftsmen to register for accreditation, allowing them to receive funding for training participants.

The programme adopts a practical-focused model, with 80% of training dedicated to hands-on experience and 20% to classroom learning.

Initial response to the scheme was strong, with over 90,000 applications recorded within the first week of launching the portal, while participation in entrance examinations rose significantly from 2024 to 2025.

Additionally, an artisan-led mentorship model has been introduced across upgraded technical colleges, enabling experienced professionals to guide trainees through their learning process.