Authorities in the Philippines are investigating “thousands” of work visas issued to fake corporations, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The move is the most recent in a series of crackdowns on POGO operators, after many were found to be in breach of contract and even allegedly engaging in human trafficking and extortion.
According to ABS-CBN, the Bureau of Immigration has been ordered to dig deep into the matter, however the bureau itself has been the focus of allegations of wrongdoing, in particular in granting preferential treatment for certain Chinese nationals.
The authorities have given the bureau until the end of the month to finalize its investigation.
POGOs have been in decline since authorities began to look more closely into their operations. Despite employing thousands, there has been public support for ending their operation, as many see them bringing more harm than good.
The Philippines is the only Asian jurisdiction that allows POGO-style operations.
