MANILA, Philippines - All 200 Afghan nationals who arrived in the Philippines for final processing of their Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications successfully completed the process and are now on their way to the United States.
“Just under 200 Afghan nationals arrived in the Philippines on January 6 for final processing of their Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications at the U.S. Embassy in Manila,” Kanishka Gangopadhyay, Spokesperson, US Embassy in Manila, told reporters in a Viber group chat Sunday.
All departed the Philippines for immigration to the United States aboard commercial flights between January 15 and 17,” he added.
Earlier, it was initially reported that 300 Afghan nationals were expected to arrive in the Philippines, but the U.S. Embassy clarified that some prospective participants “dropped due to medical issues, their decision to withdraw from the program, or other considerations,” Gangopadhyay explained.
In an on-background briefing last December 20, a senior Filipino official said that the deal was reached between Manila and Washington D.C., allowing 300 Afghan nationals to enter the country and stay for a maximum of 59 days, with the whole project expected to be finished within a 100-day period.
In August 2021, Kabul fell under Taliban rule, followed by a disorderly and chaotic pullout of American forces before the U.S. can complete its withdrawal after a 20-year war in Afghanistan.
Due to this, thousands of Afghan nationals who worked at the U.S. mission were left behind.
An agreement was formally signed between the Philippines and the U.S. in July 2024, and was later ratified by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in September of the same year, allowing such Afghan nationals to be temporarily housed in the country, while awaiting the processing of their visas.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy expressed its appreciation to the Philippines for its support for the program.
“The government of the United States extends deep appreciation to the government of the Philippines for their cooperation and support for U.S. efforts to assist Afghan Special Immigrants,” Gangopadhyay stated.
