Philippines agrees to host Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in US

Asia-Pacific, News, US August 21, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

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The Philippines has agreed to temporarily host a “limited number” of Afghans being considered for resettlement in the United States. The decision was announced by the U.S. State Department on August 19, 2024.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the U.S. government will provide “necessary services” for the Afghans during their stay in the Philippines. These services include food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation, ensuring that the refugees are well-supported as they undergo visa processing for potential resettlement in the United States.

“The United States appreciates its long and positive history of bilateral cooperation with the Philippines and thanks the Philippine government for supporting Afghan allies of the United States,” the State Department said.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the agreement is currently being processed to ensure the full implementation of the plan. While neither country disclosed the exact number of Afghans who would be processed in the Philippines, reports from some media agencies cited unnamed U.S. officials and suggested that approximately 300 Afghan applicants will be temporarily housed in the Southeast Asian nation.

Afghan resettlement

The resettlement of Afghan refugees has been a critical issue since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.

Over 160,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States as part of the ongoing Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to provide haven to those who worked alongside U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict in Afghanistan. However, thousands of others remain in third countries, awaiting visa processing for potential relocation to the U.S.

*^{Displaced families collect water during a harsh winter in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Image Credit: UNHCR/Andrew McConnell)}*

Many of the Afghans eligible for resettlement in the U.S. served as interpreters, support staff, or in other critical roles for the U.S. government and military. Their association with the Western-backed Afghan National Security Forces places them at significant risk under the Taliban regime, making their resettlement a matter of urgent concern.

Domestic opposition

Despite the humanitarian nature of, the proposal for the Philippines to host Afghan refugees has faced some domestic opposition. When the news first became public last year, some Filipinos raised concerns on legal and security grounds, questioning the potential risks associated with hosting foreign nationals with ties to a conflict-ridden region.

President Marcos himself acknowledged these concerns in June, stating that the proposal raised “many security issues.” However, he also emphasized the “long tradition” of the Philippines in accepting refugees, highlighting the country’s history of providing sanctuary to those in need, from Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s to Jewish refugees during World War II.

As final preparations for the implementation of this agreement are underway, the world will be watching closely how this development unfolds, both in terms of its impact on U.S.-Philippines relations and the lives of the Afghan refugees who will soon find temporary refuge in the Philippines.