Visa relief implemented for foreign nationals affected by Mideast crisis

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has implemented visa relief for foreign nationals affected by tensions in the Middle East caused by the United States-Iran war.

Department Order No. 159, dated March 9, grants relief to foreign nationals who are unable to return to their countries due to the crisis.

Under the relief, they may extend their stay in the country despite having expired visas, covering "all affected foreign nationals."

The DOJ first implemented the relief on March 9 and it was initially set to be effective until Wednesday, April 1.

With the issuance of the new memorandum order, visa relief has been extended until May 1, 2026, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

"We do understand there there's still some visiting foreigners who have difficulty going back because of the restrictions, of the various constraints," Vida said in a press briefing on Tuesday, March 31.

Flights have been cancelled and rescheduled in parts of the Middle East since the United States attacked Iran on February 28.

In retaliation, Iran attacked several US bases in the region, some of which involved airports in Middle Eastern countries.

This prompted countries to limit or shut down airport operations or close their airspaces, leading to flight cancellations.