According to US and Philippine officials, up to 300 Afghans entered the country on Monday for short-term stays while awaiting processing for US resettlement. Last July, the United States and the Philippines announced an agreement allowing hundreds of Afghans to remain in Manila while waiting for their US Special Immigrant visas to be processed.
This happened despite domestic resistance in the nation with a Catholic majority due to security and other issues. According to current guidelines, the DFA granted these applicants the proper Philippine entry visa,” said Teresita Daza, a spokesman for the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, in a statement.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US State Department official would only state that “up to 300″ was the number engaged. According to the Philippine DFA statement, the US government will pay for the Afghans’ meals, lodging, healthcare, security, and transportation while they are in Manila as part of the agreement.
According to a previous US Embassy statement, the Afghans will remain at a facility run by the US State Department’s Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts. Daza had earlier stated that the Afghans would be confined to their billet facility” and could only remain for a maximum of 59 days, except embassy interviews.
Also Read:
One of the Most well-Liked Places for New Year’s Eve Festivities is Dubai
