Philippines Still Evaluating US Request to Serve as ‘Processing Center’ for Afghans

Philippines Still Evaluating US Request to Serve as ‘Processing Center’ for Afghans

A Department of Justice (DOJ) official has stated that the government is “open to the idea” of the Philippines serving as a “processing area” for Afghan nationals displaced by conflict in their homeland, before their potential resettlement in the United States. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez conveyed that discussions with the US Embassy are ongoing, a year after a Senate inquiry first addressed the request.

“Initially, we discussed hosting a few hundred Afghan nationals. If it proves successful, we are prepared to accommodate more,” Vasquez explained. He emphasized that national security remains a primary concern. “The other side wants to expedite the process, but we are proceeding with caution because of our treaty obligations and the complexities involved once they are here,” he added.

These developments were shared during the launch of the Philippines’ first-ever National Refugee Day, scheduled for June 20.

Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo noted that the US government formalized its proposal in October 2022 through a “concept note” sent to Philippine Ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez. According to Manalo, the Afghans, not considered refugees by the DOJ, would only stay in the Philippines briefly while awaiting approval for their special immigration visas from the US.

Short-term Stay
Romualdez clarified that the stay for the Afghan nationals, who include former and current employees of the United States in Afghanistan and their families, would be limited to “two weeks at most.” The cost of their stay will be covered by the US government.

At the event, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, represented by Vasquez, highlighted that this initiative is part of “our commitment to our long humanitarian legacy of opening our doors and providing support to people who seek safety and protection across international borders.”

According to the DOJ, there are currently about a thousand recognized refugees in the Philippines, primarily from the Middle East and Africa.

Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees office in Manila, reported that over 114 million people globally had been forced to flee their homes by the end of September 2023 due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations.