MANILA. The Philippines has agreed to temporarily host a U.S. immigrant visa processing center for Afghan nationals seeking resettlement in the United States. The decision, announced Tuesday, represents a significant step in the deepening relationship between Manila and Washington under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the agreement is in its final stages and awaits ratification by President Marcos. While specific details remain limited, a senior Philippine official disclosed to The Associated Press that the center will accommodate between 150 to 300 Afghan applicants under this “one-time” arrangement. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Assistant Secretary Teresita Daza from the Department of Foreign Affairs stated that Afghan nationals must obtain a visa to enter the Philippines and will undergo “full security vetting.” Each visa will allow a stay of no more than 59 days. The U.S. government will cover all costs associated with their stay, including food, housing, security, medical, and transportation expenses. The International Organization for Migration will manage the facility where the Afghan applicants will be housed, ensuring they receive adequate social, educational, and religious support.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its support, noting, “We appreciate its long and positive history of bilateral cooperation with the Philippines.”
The Afghan nationals eligible for resettlement are those who worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan or were eligible for U.S. special immigrant visas but were left behind during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021 as the Taliban regained control.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken first presented the request to his Philippine counterpart in 2022, and the proposal was later discussed between President Joe Biden and President Marcos during Marcos’ visit to the United States last year.
Initially, Marcos indicated that up to 1,000 Afghan nationals might be permitted to stay in the Philippines at any one time. However, he also highlighted potential challenges, including legal and logistical issues, as well as concerns about security risks and the handling of Afghan nationals whose visa applications face delays or rejections.
Since taking office, Marcos has strengthened ties with the U.S., including agreeing to expand American military presence under a 2014 defense agreement—a move that has drawn concerns from China over regional stability.
The temporary visa processing center in the Philippines is seen as a crucial step in aiding Afghan allies who have supported U.S. efforts and are now seeking refuge as part of the broader resettlement program.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
