The Bureau of Immigration announced that about 2,000 foreign staff members of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) had their working visas downgraded to tourist visas. This action follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban POGOs in the country.
Marcos’ directive affects the 43 remaining legal POGOs, which are now referred to as internet gaming licensees (IGLs) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). These licensees continue to hold valid operating licenses.
According to The Manila Times, the workforce of POGOs is predominantly foreign, totaling around 100,000 employees.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco stated that the acceptance and renewal of working visa applications for POGO employees were halted on July 23rd, the day following the President’s announcement of the ban.
The Bureau of Immigration will accept voluntary downgrades of POGO staff’s working visas until October 15th. With the POGO ban in place, there is no longer a reason for these workers to remain employed in the country.
The downgrade from working visas to tourist visas will allow them to settle their accountabilities, obtain clearances, and leave the country within 59 days from the downgrade order.
According to the previous report, the employment permits for both foreign and local employees at POGOs are set to remain valid until December 31st of this year.
The adjustment to the validity period was approved by the head of the nation’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR, on August 15th.
