Philippines extends visa relief for stranded foreigners amid Middle East conflict

Dubai: The Philippines has extended its visa relief programme for foreign nationals stranded due to the ongoing developments in the Middle East, offering them temporary legal stay without fines or penalties.

Philippine justice secretary Fredderick Vida has signed department order 219, extending the programme that has been initially set to end on April 1. This directive has covered those whose authorised stay has expired on February 28. 

“A number of foreign nationals remain stranded and have been unable to secure flights to return to their home countries. In light of this, the grant of visa relief is hereby extended until 01 May 2026,” read the order.

Humanitarian response

According to Vida, the move has reflected the country’s commitment to support and provide reassurance to affected travellers while international travel routes gradually stabilise.

“We did this unilaterally for humanitarian reasons and the premise of compassion. So, their stay will no longer be a worry regarding the lack of a legal basis to stay in the Philippines,” said Vida in a press briefing.

Moreover, the Philippine bureau of immigration has been instructed to strictly implement the order and ensure smooth processing for those covered by the relief programme.

Impact on travel

Meanwhile, the current geopolitical situation has significantly disrupted global travel, with the Middle East accounting for around 14 percent of international air traffic.

These widespread cancellations and limited flight availability have left many travellers stranded across different regions, prompting governments to adopt temporary measures.