Envoy: PH spared from US visa processing suspension

The Philippines is not included in the supposed list of countries where processing of visas have been reportedly suspended by the United States, Manila's envoy to Washington said Thursday, Jan. 15.

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"We are not included," Ambassador Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez said in a text message.

Romualdez's clarification came after US-based media outlet Fox News reported that the US State Department is suspending the processing of immigrant visas in 75 countries, nearly half of the world, starting Jan. 21.

A State Department memo, according to the news site, directs consular offices to do so while it is still reviewing the screening and vetting procedures for such countries.

Thailand, a Philippine-neighbor, is among the countries reportedly included in the list.

President Donald Trump’s administration started last year tightening Washington’s policy in issuing visas to foreign nationals.

In December, it ordered the suspension of immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, mainly from the Middle East and Africa.