The Department of Justice has proposed that the Philippines serve as a processing area for Afghan migrants before they are settled in the United States.
Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez commented on the proposal, which last year included a Senate inquiry to look into the US government’s request. Vasquez revealed that the initial plan involves hosting a few hundred Afghan nationals, with the potential to accommodate more if the arrangement proves successful. Vasquez emphasized that national security is the primary concern in this matter.
“Initially, we discussed [hosting] a few hundred [Afghan nationals] and if it works out, then we’ll accommodate more,” said Vasquez.
“The other side wants to fast-track it but we are very careful on this matter because once they’re here, we have treaty obligations and it would be difficult to interfere,” he added.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo explained that the U.S. government first proposed this idea in October 2022 through a "concept note" sent to Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez. Manalo clarified that the Afghan migrants would not be considered refugees by the Department of Justice and would stay in the Philippines while the US processes their special immigration visas.
Romualdez mentioned that the US government assured him that these nationals would be housed for "two weeks at the most" and that the costs would be covered by the US, according to a report by Asia News Network.
The Afghans in question are nationals who were formerly or currently employed by the US in Afghanistan and are seeking to flee the country since the Taliban took over after US troops were withdrawn.
Last year, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged that the proposal carried national security concerns for the Philippines, but stated that his country was still considering it.
