The Bureau of Immigration reported that over 3,000 workers from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) have left the country. This happened after their visas were downgraded. This development comes in the wake of the ongoing uncertainty regarding the future of the POGO workers in the nation. However, this recent development has left the world in awe and surprise.
The Background
In July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged a complete ban on POGOs during his State of the Nation Address. He made this call in response to reports of illegal activities linked to online gambling hubs in some regions. This decision came as the authorities discovered unlawful POGO operations in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga. These activities allegedly included torture, debt bondage, kidnapping, and human trafficking.
The Bigger Picture
At a recent “Task Force POGO Closure” meeting, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) mentioned that as of September 24, 5,955 visas had been downgraded. It was noted that around 55% of these individuals have already left the Philippines. The task force includes members from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the BI. Representatives from the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation also attended the meeting.
Viado shared that the task force agreed to organize service days for POGO companies, during which they would implement the downgraded visa status and provide exit clearances. Teams were reportedly set up to visit the POGO offices, now called Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), to handle the downgrading process directly. DOLE representatives would be present as well to collect the surrendered alien employment permits. He explained that this effort was part of the combined actions taken by various government agencies to speed up the process for foreign workers in POGOs or IGLs to leave the country.
It was earlier stated by the DOJ that all foreign POGO workers have until October 15 to downgrade their visa status voluntarily. Those who do not apply by the deadline will have 59 days to leave the Philippines. If they still remain beyond December 31, the BI will start deportation procedures. Viado further indicated that the real challenge might come in 2025, as those who refuse to leave will face arrest, deportation, and a ban from returning to the Philippines.
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