PH extends visa relief for foreigners stranded by Middle East conflict

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has extended visa relief for foreign nationals unable to return to their home countries due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said on Tuesday that he signed a new directive extending the legal stay of affected foreigners until May 1, 2026.

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) move comes as the original April 1 deadline approaches, with many travelers still having difficulty returning to their countries.

“We extended the visa relief…There are still some visiting foreigners who have difficulty returning because of various constraints. So, based on the order I signed yesterday, we are extending the [April 1 deadline] to May 1,” Vida said.

The DOJ emphasized that the extension was granted primarily for humanitarian reasons and the “premise of compassion.” By extending the deadline, the government aims to alleviate the legal anxieties of visitors trapped in the Philippines by circumstances beyond their control.  

Under Department Order No. 159, those whose visas expired on or after February 28, 2026, are exempt from overstaying fines, motion for extension fees, and other administrative penalties.  

The relief applies to foreign nationals stranded due to mass flight cancellations and airspace closures linked to the Iran conflict and broader Middle East hostilities.  

READ: DOJ Oks visa extension for foreigners affected by Middle East conflict

“We did this for humanitarian reasons and the premise of compassion so that their stay would no longer be a worry,” Vida said.

“We also pray that hopefully before the expiry of May 1, the issues have already been resolved,” he added, noting that the Bureau of Immigration has been instructed to facilitate these stays with minimal bureaucratic friction. /mcm