Philippines to Host US Visa Processing Center for Afghan Refugees

The Philippines has agreed to temporarily host a limited number of Afghan nationals seeking resettlement in the United States, as announced by U.S. and Philippine officials. The U.S. government will provide necessary services, including food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation, while the Afghans undergo visa processing in the country. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the agreement is in its final domestic procedures, pending ratification by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. While the exact number of Afghans to be processed remains unspecified, reports suggest that around 300 applicants may be accommodated in the Philippines. This agreement reflects the strengthening ties between the U.S. and the Philippines under President Marcos, who has shifted the country’s foreign policy away from a previous China-friendly stance. Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, over 160,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S., with many others awaiting processing in third countries. Concerns have been raised by some Filipinos regarding the legal and security implications of hosting Afghan nationals. President Marcos acknowledged these issues last June, emphasizing the Philippines' tradition of accepting refugees while also highlighting potential security challenges. Each Afghan applicant will need a visa to enter the Philippines and will undergo full security vetting, with a maximum stay of 59 days. The U.S. has expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its support of Afghan allies, noting the long-standing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The arrangement aims to assist those who worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan and were left behind during the chaotic withdrawal.