Manila, Philippines: The Philippines has agreed to host a temporary visa processing center for Afghan nationals who are seeking resettlement in the United States, marking a significant step in the deepening relationship between the two countries. This development was confirmed on Tuesday, August 20, as part of an arrangement with the US government to assist Afghans who worked with or supported US efforts in Afghanistan.

The decision by the Philippine government initially sparked concerns over potential security risks and legal challenges. However, it also signals the strengthened ties between Manila and Washington under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, the agreement is still undergoing final approval through domestic procedures. Although specific details, such as the number of Afghan nationals to be accommodated at a time, have not been disclosed, the agreement is expected to facilitate the special immigrant visa process for Afghans relocating to the United States.

"The US government will be providing essential services for Afghans temporarily housed in the Philippines, including food, accommodation, security, medical care, and transportation to ensure visa processing is completed," the Foreign Affairs department said in a statement.

In response, the US State Department expressed gratitude to the Philippines, acknowledging the country’s ongoing support for Afghan allies and highlighting the strong history of bilateral cooperation.

The Afghan nationals involved in this program primarily consist of individuals who worked for the US government during the conflict in Afghanistan and are eligible for special immigrant visas. Many of these individuals were unable to leave the country during the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in 2021, which saw the return of Taliban rule.

This request for assistance was initially conveyed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2022. Discussions continued during Philippine President Marcos' visit to Washington last year, where President Joe Biden reiterated the need for cooperation. At that time, President Marcos noted that up to 1,000 Afghan nationals might be temporarily accommodated in the Philippines while awaiting visa approval.

Despite the program's promise, Filipino officials raised concerns about the potential risks of attacks targeting Afghan nationals during their stay in the Philippines. Additionally, legal challenges have emerged regarding US involvement in vetting who could enter the country. President Marcos also raised concerns about the fate of Afghans whose visa applications might be delayed or rejected, expressing worry about the possibility of them becoming stranded in the Philippines.

Since taking office, President Marcos has actively worked to renew the Philippines' alliance with the US. In 2022, he approved the expansion of US military presence in the Philippines under a 2014 defense agreement. This move sparked warnings from China, which expressed concerns that the Philippines might become a base for US military intervention in sensitive regional issues, such as the South China Sea and Taiwan.

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