Filipinos in US told: Follow immigration rules, avoid overstaying

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos abroad, especially those in the United States, to follow immigration rules and to avoid overstaying in their host countries.

This statement comes after the US Department of Homeland Security announced that the Philippines will no longer be eligible for H-2A and H2B visas, which are issued to foreign workers seeking agricultural and non-agricultural work, respectively.

"The Department issues this reminder in view of the decision by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to remove the Philippines from its list of countries eligible for the H-2A and H-2B visas," DFA spokesperson Elmer Cato said.

Washington noted that the Philippines has a high H-2B overstay rate and raised concerns of rising human trafficking. The US also removed Manila from the H-2A visa program due to such concerns.

The DFA noted the concerns of the DHS as visa issuances are a country's prerogative.

The Philippine government, however, remains open in working with the US to address the issue.

"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," the DFA said.

The DFA added that the Philippine Embassy in Washington and other Philippine Consulate Generals in the US will extend assistance to Filipinos who will be affected by the new law.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, said the Philippines would have to respect the directive of the US if they have basis.

"We will only react if our workers are being mistreated, maltreated or being discriminated against but if they violated laws of the US then they have to face the music," Panelo said in a press briefing.