PH to grant visa extension to foreigners affected by Middle East conflict

The Philippines will grant visa relief to foreigners affected by the mass cancellation of outbound flights amid the unrest in the Middle East. 

This developed after the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued Department Order No. 159 series of 2026, directing the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to allow foreigners whose visas expired in February to legally stay in the Philippines until April without payment of any fees, fines, and penalties.

“This is the Philippine government’s simple way of extending relief not only to those directly affected by the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, but also a compassionate gesture of support to stand in solidarity with the whole world during this difficult time of socio-economic and political upheavals,” said DOJ Secretary Frederick Vida in a news release. 

Tensions in the Middle East escalated over a week ago following the joint military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Due to safety concerns and  airspace restrictions, some airline companies announced flight cancellations to and from the region. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier urged all parties involved in the Middle East tensions to exercise restraint as he expressed hope for a swift ceasefire to end the hostilities. —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News