The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said about 20,000 more foreign Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers are expected to leave the country in the coming few weeks.
The pronouncement follows BI’s another reminder to foreign workers of the 31 December deadline for the ban of now-illegal POGOs. The agency said in a statement, “The BI expects around 20,000 more foreign POGO workers to leave in the next few weeks.”
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado noted how foreign nationals have only 29 days left to comply with the ban, reiterating the urgency of the matter.
He added that as of 7 November, a total of 21,757 foreign POGO workers have downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor visas. “Out of the approved applications for downgrading, 10,821 foreign nationals have since left the country already.”
The BI has also issued cancellation orders to 12,106 foreign nationals who have still not downgraded their visas, Viado said. Deportation proceedings and blacklisting will ensue for those who fail to leave before the deadline, he said. The BI also committed to ensure a smooth and orderly process for affected foreign workers.
President Marcos’ POGO ban
The crackdown on POGOs stems from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to enforce a total ban on these operations, announced during his State of the Nation Address in July.
The ban followed revelations of crimes linked to POGOs, including human trafficking and financial scams. As part of the government’s directive, foreign workers were instructed to downgrade their 9G work visas to tourist visas by 15 October and leave the Philippines by year-end.
Executive Order No. 74, issued in November, solidified the ban, classifying all unauthorised POGO operations as illegal gambling entities. It also outlined the cessation of licence applications, renewals, and operations for POGOs and other offshore gaming operators lacking proper authorisation.
Persistent POGO activity
Despite the stringent measures, illegal POGO operations continue in the country. Approximately 200 POGO hubs remain active, with authorities warning that unlicenced operators face imminent raids.
The PAOCC has also reported nearly 700 foreign individuals in its custody, many awaiting deportation. Among them, 250 are scheduled to be repatriated in the coming week.
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