A group of Afghan nationals has arrived in the Philippines to process special immigrant visas for their resettlement in the United States, following an agreement between Manila and Washington. Last July, the Philippines agreed to host a U.S. immigrant visa processing center for a limited number of Afghan nationals seeking to resettle in America.
The Afghan nationals who arrived in the Philippines on Monday were granted entry visas after completing extensive security vetting and full medical screenings. The U.S. government will cover their expenses during their stay in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical, and transportation costs.
The exact number of Afghan nationals who arrived and the duration of the visa processing were not specified. However, under Philippine regulations, visa applicants can stay for a maximum of 59 days. A senior Philippine official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that only 150 to 300 applicants would be accommodated in the Philippines under this 'one-time' deal.
These Afghan nationals seeking resettlement had primarily worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan or were eligible for U.S. special immigrant visas but were unable to leave when the U.S. withdrew and the Taliban regained power in a tumultuous period in 2021.
The request for hosting the Afghan nationals was initially conveyed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to his Philippine counterpart in 2022. President Joe Biden also discussed the matter with Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to the U.S. last year. Since assuming office, Marcos has strengthened ties with the U.S., allowing an expansion of American military presence under a 2014 defense agreement in a move that drew criticism from China.
This initiative marks a significant step in assisting Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. government and are now seeking refuge in the United States. The collaboration between the Philippines and the U.S. underscores the commitment to humanitarian efforts and supporting those in need of resettlement.
