Nearly 11,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have left the country, according to the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI).
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained, as reported by the Philippine News Agency, that these workers are part of a larger group of over 21,757 foreigners employed by POGOs who downgraded their visas as of November 7th.
The remaining foreign workers in POGOs are expected to depart by the end of this month.
The Philippine government has ordered foreign employees of POGOs to downgrade their work visas following the cessation of operations for these establishments under the Marcos administration. These companies have been given until the end of the year to wind down their operations.
Regarding illegal departures, Sandoval highlighted the need for legislation to penalize individuals who leave the country unlawfully. “One thing noted by our legal team is that there is no specific law addressing illegal departures in the Philippines, unlike in other countries,” Sandoval said.
This statement follows the controversial departure of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who allegedly left the Philippines for the United Arab Emirates through illegal means.
Sandoval indicated that the BI is considering charges, including falsification of public documents, against Roque, noting that his most recent recorded travel was in July when he returned to the Philippines from the United States.
