Afghan nationals reach the Philippines for finalizing their visa applications for relocation to the United States.

A group of Afghan nationals arrived in the Philippines on Monday to initiate the process for their special immigrant visas, which will allow them to relocate to the United States as part of a recent agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. government.

Last July, the Philippines agreed to serve as a temporary location for a U.S. visa processing center designated for a select number of Afghans wishing to move to America. This arrangement reflects the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in providing support to individuals from Afghanistan.

According to Teresita Daza, the spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs, these Afghan individuals entering the Philippines have been issued entry visas after passing thorough security background checks and rigorous medical evaluations before their arrival.

The U.S. government has committed to funding the entire duration of the Afghan nationals’ stay, which encompasses expenses such as food, accommodation, security, healthcare, and transportation. However, the exact number of Afghans who arrived and the duration of the visa processing remain undisclosed.

Reports indicate that the Philippine authorities will permit visa applicants to remain for a maximum of 59 days. A senior official in the Philippines revealed that the arrangement allows for the accommodation of between 150 to 300 Afghan applicants under this “one-time” program. Speaking anonymously, he noted the sensitive nature of the negotiations involved.

The Afghan nationals eligible for resettlement primarily include individuals who worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan or those who qualified for special immigrant visas yet were unable to evacuate during the U.S. withdrawal amidst the tumultuous return of Taliban control in 2021.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken initially communicated this request to his counterpart in the Philippines in 2022. Subsequent discussions about the request took place between President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during Biden’s visit to the United States last year.

Since assuming the presidency two years ago with a significant victory, President Marcos has worked to enhance relations with the U.S. His administration has also embraced a stronger American military presence, expanding a 2014 defense agreement, a move that has drawn criticism from China.