Afghan 200 now out of Mla — U.S. Embassy

Afghan nationals who arrived in the Philippines in early January to process their applications for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to the United States have left the country, the US Embassy in Manila announced Sunday.

According to US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhay, only “under 200 Afghan nationals” arrived in the country contrary to the earlier information that around 300 entered the country.

“Just under 200 Afghan nationals arrived in the Philippines on 6 January for final processing of their Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications at the US Embassy in Manila,” Gangopadhay said in a statement.

He noted that all Afghan nationals who arrived in the country, about 60 percent of whom are minors, left the Philippines for immigration to the United States on commercial flights between 15 and 17 January.

“The government of the United States extends deep appreciation to the government of the Philippines for their cooperation and support for US efforts to assist Afghan Special Immigrants,” he said.

Earlier this month, the US Embassy announced the arrival of the first group of Afghan nationals, who risked their lives supporting United States military operations in Afghanistan, in the Philippines.

The initial batch, comprising up to 300 individuals, will be temporarily housed in the country while their applications for SIVs to the US are being processed as part of the agreement between Manila and Washington.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Afghan nationals who arrived in the country — mostly children — will stay in the Philippines for “no more than 59 days.”

It also reiterated that the US government would cover all necessary services for the Afghans during their stay in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation until their visa processing is completed.