Manila: The Philippines said on Tuesday it has agreed to a US government request to temporarily host “a limited number of Afghan nationals” fleeing Taliban rule, while they wait for their special immigrant visa to be processed for resettlement to the United States.
Under the agreement, the US will shoulder all expenses of the Afghan nationals, such as food, housing, security, medical and transportation, according to Teresita Daza, spokeswoman for the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
“Each applicant shall be authorized to stay in the Philippines for no more than 59 days,” Daza said.
“All applicants will be subject to full security vetting by Philippine authorities and should secure an appropriate entry visa prior to arrival, in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations.” The agreement will need to be ratified by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr before it becomes effective, she added. (DPA)
