Philippines respects Trump’s order freezing visas for foreign workers

The Philippines on Tuesday said it respects the decision of US President Donald Trump to ban the entry of foreign workers through the end of the year.

“We respect that decision kasi tayo nga po hindi rin natin pinapapasok ang mga working visa holders, iyan po ang naging desisyon ng IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force] and sovereign states can decide on these matters,” President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

Set to be affected by Trump’s order are foreign workers on H-1B visas for skilled workers and L-1 visas for workers being transferred within a company, Reuters said in a report, citing a senior US official. 

Also covered were block seasonal workers on H-2B visas, with an exception for workers in the food service industry. Trump, who won the US presidency in 2016 on a campaign platform focused on immigration and trade reforms, is seeking reelection in November.

The Philippines, on the other hand, is studying appeals to ease inbound travel restrictions to allow the entry of foreign workers in flagship infrastructure projects and permanent resident visa holders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. —LDF, GMA News