PH willing to accept Afghan refugees

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured that the Philippines has sufficient safeguards to manage national security concerns related to accepting potential refugees from Afghanistan.

The DOJ's Refugees and Stateless Persons Unit (RSPPU) will assess if Afghan applicants meet international standards for refugee status.

The NBI and NICA may be involved to determine if any applicant poses a threat to national security.

There is no specific limit to the number of refugees the Philippines will accept, nor a defined order of preference for granting refugee status.

The Philippine government may also extend financial assistance to refugees as it could afford.

An emergency transit mechanism is available, in accordance with an agreement with the UNHCR, if recognized Afghan refugees require temporary shelter in the Philippines.

The Bureau of Immigration will implement the DOJ's decision and issue necessary documentation if refugee status is granted.