Bureau of Immigration to Initiate Deportation for Non-Compliant Foreign POGO Workers

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is taking swift action to manage the exit of foreign workers working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) or Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado announced that the BI is implementing measures to expedite exit processes for these workers following a recent inter-agency meeting aimed at addressing the status of POGO operations in the Philippines.

During the meeting, which included representatives from several key government agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), it was agreed that immediate steps would be taken to downgrade the visa statuses of foreign workers in the POGO sector. Viado explained that specialized teams will visit POGO and IGL companies directly to enforce these changes on-site.

“Members agreed to conduct service days for POGO companies, where we will implement their downgraded visa status and issue exit clearances,” Viado stated in a press statement released on September 28, 2024. This initiative aims to streamline the process for foreign workers seeking to exit the country and ensure compliance with new regulations. The DOLE will also participate in these service days to collect “surrendered alien employment permits” from the POGO workers.

The urgency of these measures stems from an earlier directive by the DOJ, which set an October 15, 2024 deadline for all foreign POGO workers to voluntarily downgrade their visa status. Those who do not comply with this deadline will be mandated to leave the Philippines within 59 days. If these individuals fail to depart by December 31, the BI will initiate deportation proceedings against them.

As of September 24, the BI reported that it has successfully downgraded the visas of 5,955 foreign workers. Notably, 55% of those affected have already exited the Philippines.

Viado acknowledged the significant progress but also warned that challenges lie ahead. In 2025, the BI plans to take a more stringent approach. Workers who refuse to leave the country by then will face arrest, deportation, and potential blacklisting from reentering the Philippines.

This swift action by the BI reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate the POGO sector, which has faced scrutiny over various issues, including compliance with labor laws and taxation. The decision to expedite the exit of foreign workers is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the POGO industry operates within legal parameters while safeguarding the interests of Filipino workers and the national economy.

The BI’s proactive measures underscore the agency’s commitment to maintaining order in the gaming sector and addressing the complexities arising from foreign employment. By engaging directly with POGO companies, the BI aims to facilitate a smoother transition for foreign workers who may be caught in the regulatory changes.

As the October deadline approaches, it is essential for foreign workers to be aware of their options. They must take immediate action to downgrade their visas and ensure compliance with the BI’s directives. Failure to do so not only complicates their legal status but also subjects them to the risk of deportation and bans on future entry into the Philippines.

Read related article: 41 POGOs to Cease Operations by End of 2024 Following POGO Ban in PH