"VAN" (International Desk - 21.08.2024) :: United States and the Philippines have agreed to a temporary residence arrangement for several Afghan refugees until they can be resettled and receive a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) from the U.S.
This agreement allows the refugees to stay in the Philippines while awaiting their immigration processing.
The U.S. State Department expressed appreciation for the Philippine government’s action in a statement released on Monday, August 19. The announcement highlighted the importance of this collaboration and the support provided by the Philippine government.
The statement further detailed that during their temporary stay in the Philippines, the U.S. government will provide essential services to the special immigrant applicants, including food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation.
The State Department did not specify the number of applicants accommodated in the Philippines under this agreement.
The U.S. State Department and the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. have emphasized the significance of this agreement.
In 2008, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to accommodate Afghan refugees, including translators, military personnel, and individuals who worked with the U.S. government.
According to the U.S. State Department, the United States has resettled more than 160,000 Afghans over the past three years.
This agreement represents a critical step in providing immediate relief to Afghan refugees facing uncertain futures. By facilitating temporary residence in the Philippines, the U.S. and Philippine governments demonstrate their commitment to supporting those who have risked their lives for U.S. interests.
The provision of essential services during this interim period underscores the humanitarian efforts involved in addressing the needs of these individuals.
As the resettlement process continues, the collaboration between the two nations sets a precedent for international cooperation in refugee support. Hopefully, this arrangement will ease the transition for Afghan refugees and highlight the importance of global solidarity in responding to humanitarian crises.
Cr-KP
Responses
Leave your comment