Foreign POGO Workers Must Leave Philippines by September 24th

Foreign POGO workers have been given a deadline of September 24th to voluntarily leave the Philippines or face deportation. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Monday that its order for foreign workers in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to depart the country includes no exemptions, even for those with families and children in the Philippines.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that there are no adjustments available in the procedure; foreign workers must leave the country. She explained that they cannot alter their stay status to remain in the Philippines due to the downgraded operations of their companies. Extending their stay or converting their visas is not an option.

Sandoval also mentioned that Commissioner Norman Tansingco has requested a meeting with other visa-issuing agencies to standardize the handling of foreign workers. This initiative aims to ensure a consistent approach across all relevant departments.

The BI has instructed approximately 20,000 foreign workers, primarily Chinese nationals, to leave the Philippines following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s announcement of a total ban on POGO and internet gaming licensee operations during his third State of the Nation Address.

Additionally, the President directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to terminate POGO operations by the end of the year.

Source: AGB