DFA to work with US on removal of PHL eligibility from work visas


The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said it will work with the United States government to address concerns that led to the Philippines' disqualification from obtaining a specialized work visa for foreigners.
Filipino workers were barred from participating in the H-2A and H-2B foreign worker visa program due to high overstay rate, according to the US Department of Homeland Security in a notice on Jan. 18.
It also cited concerns on the high volume of human trafficking victims from the Philippines who were originally issued H-2A H-2B visas.
Current Filipino H-2A and H-2B visa holders, however, are not affected.
"As visa issuances are a country’s prerogative, the DFA notes the concerns that led the DHS to arrive at its decision," a DFA statement said.
"Nonetheless, the Philippines is open to the possibility of working with the United States in addressing these issues, as it has previously done so with similar concerns involving the Filipino community there."
H-2A and H-2B visas allow US employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural and non-agricultural jobs, respectively, the DHS said in its website.
In view of this new policy, the DFA called on Filipinos in the US to follow immigration rules and avoid staying beyond what is allowed in their visas.
"The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. along with the other Philippine Consulates General in the US, will continue to extend appropriate assistance to all its nationals pursuant to law," the DFA said. — RSJ, GMA News

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