Some 20,000 foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are set to depart the country, less than a month before the government’s deadline.
The Philippines is bracing for the departure of thousands more foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) as the government’s deadline for the industry’s shutdown approaches.
The Philippines is bracing for the departure of thousands more foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) as the government’s deadline for the industry’s shutdown approaches.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) estimates that around 20,000 more foreign POGO workers will leave the country in the coming weeks. As of November 7, 2023, a total of 21,757 foreign POGO workers have already downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor visas.
“The BI expects around 20,000 more foreign POGO workers to leave in the next few weeks,” the agency said in a statement, quoted by INQUIRER.NET.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. imposed a ban on POGO operations in the Philippines due to concerns over their minimal economic contribution and significant social costs. The government's decision to shut down the industry has led to job displacement for thousands of Filipino and foreign workers.
“Out of the approved applications for downgrading, 10,821 foreign nationals have since left the country already,” Immigration said.
Displaced POGO workers
To assist displaced POGO workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is organizing job fairs across the country. However, some POGO workers have expressed reluctance to participate in these job fairs, citing various reasons.
Despite these challenges, the DOLE remains committed to helping displaced POGO workers find new employment opportunities.
“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin kami kahit sa January, February na tutulong sa mga naapektuhang IGLs (internet gaming licensees). Sisiguraduhin po natin na tutulungan natin lahat lalapit sa DOLE (We would continue to help affected employees of IGLs even in January, February next year. We would make sure that all those who would approach the DOLE would be assisted)," Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a press briefing, as quoted by the Philippine News Agency.
The agency is urging foreign POGO workers to comply with the December 31 deadline to leave the Philippines.
Read related article: Catholic Group Monitoring Enforcement of POGO Ban
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