Special immigrant visa processing of about 200 Afghan nationals in PH completed

The official processing of special immigrant visas (SIV) of nearly 200 Afghanistan citizens has been completed by US authorities in the Philippines, which agreed to host a processing center as requested by its long-time treaty ally.

A senior Philippine government official said the final batch of Afghan SIV applicants left the country aboard a Philippine Airlines flight just before midnight on Friday.

"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," a US Embassy statement said.

Nearly 200 Afghan nationals arrived in the Philippines on January 6 for final processing of their visa applications at the US Embassy in Manila. All departed the Philippines for immigration to the US aboard commercial flights between January 15 and 17.

Philippine officials said the processing of visas by the US of the Afghan nationals is a one-time deal.

Some Philippine officials raised security and other concerns over the US request but eventually decided to accede to it.

The applicants formerly worked for US forces and the American diplomatic offices in Afghanistan.

Philippine and US officials said the Afghan applicants included many children without elaborating, including their identities.

The Afghan applicants were left behind in their crisis-plagued country when the Taliban forces regained power in 2021, fueling fears they will carry out retaliatory attacks against those who supported the American forces.

Under the arrangement, the US government shouldered the costs for the stay of the Afghans, including housing, security, food, medical and transportation expenses.—RF, GMA Integrated News