10,000 Foreign POGO Workers Apply for Visa Downgrading Amid Philippine Ban

October 8, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Over 10,000 foreign workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have initiated the process to downgrade their work visas. This action comes in response to a directive from the Philippine government aimed at phasing out POGO operations in the country.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on October 7, 2024 that this figure represents more than 25 percent of the total 38,773 foreign POGO workers documented by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as of October 1.

The government has emphasized the urgency of the visa downgrading process. “We are expediting the downgrading process to comply with the President’s directive,” Joel Viado, the new BI commissioner, was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer. The spokesperson urged POGO workers to file their applications as early as possible to avoid any complications during this transition period.

Visa downgrading effectively changes a foreign national’s work visa to a temporary visitor visa. This allows the individual to legally remain in the Philippines for up to 59 days. During this time, they can settle their affairs before leaving the country. The timeline is particularly critical, as the 59-day period aligns with the government’s POGO ban, announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address in July. The President has directed that all foreign POGO workers must leave the Philippines by the end of the year.

In light of the closure of POGO operations, the Philippine government has formed an interagency task force to coordinate efforts. This task force includes key agencies such as the BI, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PAGCOR, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.

The BI has also streamlined the procedures for visa downgrading. This simplification aims to ensure that foreign POGO workers comply promptly. “We have left no room for delays in compliance,” the BI stated. Workers who do not adhere to the directive and fail to leave the country by December 31 could face deportation proceedings and may be blacklisted from re-entering the Philippines.

The decision to ban POGO operations stems from serious concerns regarding the involvement of many workers in illicit activities. President Marcos highlighted issues such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and even murder associated with the industry.