The Department of Justice (DOJ) has extended visa relief for foreign nationals stranded in the Philippines due to flight cancellations linked to the Middle East crisis, pushing the deadline to May 1.
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida signed the new directive, which covers tourists whose visas have expired and those unable to return home because of disrupted travel.
“We did this unilaterally for humanitarian reasons and premised on compassion so that their stay would no longer be a worry regarding the lack of legal basis in the Philippines,” Vida explained.
The extension follows an earlier order that granted visa relief only until April 1. Vida said the move was necessary as many foreign nationals remain unable to secure flights back to their countries.
“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,” he added.
The DOJ emphasized that the measure is intended to ease the burden on stranded travelers while ensuring their continued legal stay in the country.