24 August 2016 — Chargé d'Affaires Crescente R. Relacion of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus paid a courtesy call on Syrian Immigration Chief General Najji al-Nomair on August 22.

The courtesy call was followed by a brief meeting, during which Chargé d'Affaires Relacion thanked the Syrian government, especially the Syrian Immigration Office, for their assistance in the issuance of exit visas to overseas Filipinos (OFs) in Syria who availed of the Philippine Government’s Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) and expressed hope that this cooperation would continue. Gen. al-Nomair affirmed his office’s continued cooperation and coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus for immigration-related matters.

The Chargé d'Affaires also raised and discussed with the Immigration chief ongoing Syrian immigration policies which could affect the stay of OFs in Syria. Consultations were also made to resolve standing immigration cases as well as recurring issues encountered by some OFs.

The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Syrian Ministry of Interior and Vice Consul Siegfred T. Masangkay from the Philippine Embassy. END