PH to accept Afghan refugees only from foreign governments

The Philippines will only accept refugees fleeing Afghanistan if the request comes directly from foreign governments, not NGOs, according to Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

Locsin stated that the Philippines will not entertain any propositions to accept refugees unless the arrangement is government-to-government, involving the respective foreign and justice ministers of countries like the UK, US, and other Western nations actively involved in the evacuation.

This policy aims to prevent dealing with groups that might exploit the desperate situation of Afghan refugees seeking to leave their country and to ensure the Philippines "aren't dragged into a racket."

The Philippines had previously announced its willingness to accept Afghan refugees, with the President's spokesperson stating that asylum seekers are welcome.

The Justice chief also confirmed that mechanisms are in place for processing refugees from Afghanistan under the department's Refugees and Stateless Persons unit.