The Philippines has accepted a request by the U.S. to temporarily host an immigrant visa processing center for Afghans hoping to resettle in the U.S. The newly elected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration announced this on Tuesday, which suggests the growing relations between Washington and Manila.
Agreement and Approval Process
According to the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) in Manila, the agreement is currently undergoing final domestic procedures, which are awaiting ratification by President Marcos before coming into effect. Though no concrete information was given, it was implied that this step is part of a developing relationship between the Philippines and the U.S.
Limited Number of Afghan Nationals
The agreement has been said to provide for only between 150 and 300 Afghani applicants by an unnamed senior Philippine official. As a “one-time” arrangement, these people can therefore remain within Philippines while their special immigrant visas for resettlement in America are being processed. Applicants must have visas to enter the Philippines as well as undergo full security vetting, with a maximum stay of 59 days.
U.S. Support and Logistics
The U.S. government has said it will cover accommodation, meals, security, health care and transportation for these Afghans. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will manage the facility where applicants will be hosted. It will also ensure that these people can access support including educational, spiritual and religious.
U.S. Appreciation and Background of Eligible Afghan Nationals
The U.S. State Department expressed appreciation to the Philippines for assisting Afghan allies while also stressing the long standing relationship between the two countries. Afghan nationals who are eligible for resettlement are primarily those employed by the US government in Afghanistan or who qualify for special immigrant visas but got left behind during the chaotic 2021 American withdrawal from the country.
Challenges and Concerns
Regardless of the progress, there are still some concerns. The Afghan government is concerned that Afghans accommodated in the Philippines might be targeted while there. In addition, some legal questions have come up about the implications of the arrangement. There is also the bigger question of what happens to Afghans whose applications are held up or even denied.
Strengthening U.S.-Philippine Relations
Ever since taking office, President Marcos has been working on rekindling ties with America. Allowing this accord is part of those efforts, as well as other recent moves such as the expansion of American military presence under a 2014 defense agreement. Overall, President Marcos’ administration has demonstrated a renewed commitment to U.S.-Philippines relations even with objections from neighboring countries like China.
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