Metro Manila, Philippines – About 100 Afghan nationals have departed the Philippines after their special immigrant visas to the United States have been processed, the embassy said on Sunday, Jan. 19.
The Philippines hosted the Afghan nationals, mostly minors, starting Jan. 6 as part of an agreement with the US for the visa processing. They left Manila from Jan. 15 to 17.
“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,” the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.
The initial number of immigrants supposed to be hosted in Manila went down.
“It’s natural to have some attrition for immigration programs due to long timelines. While the planned number was 300, some prospective participants dropped due to medical issues, their decision to withdraw from the program, or other considerations,” the US Embassy in Manila explained.
The US State Department earlier said that the immigrants were instrumental during the stay of American forces in Afghanistan.
In 2021, the US military withdrew from Afghanistan, leaving it under Taliban rule. About 120,000 individuals, including Afghans who worked with US forces, have been evacuated.
US President Joe Biden pledged to assist Afghans who have helped them and their allies during the conflict by providing refuge.
