The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a reminder to foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to comply with the government-mandated deadline to leave the country by the end of the year.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the urgency of the matter as December begins, noting that foreign nationals have only 31 days left to comply with the Philippine government’s directive regarding the cessation of POGO operations.
The BI said that it wants to ensure a smooth and orderly process for affected foreign workers, hence the reminder to meet the deadline.
Viado said that as of November 7, a total of 21,757 foreign nationals associated with POGO operations voluntarily downgraded their work visas to temporary visitors visas. Out of the approved applications for downgrading, 10,821 foreign nationals have since left the country already.
In October, the BI issued cancellation orders to 12,106 foreign nationals who have not yet downgraded their visas. The said order requires those who have not voluntarily downgraded their visas and left the country to leave the country before the year ends.
Viado warned that those who fail to leave before the deadline will be subjected to deportation proceedings and will be blacklisted.
The BI said that it expects around 20,000 more foreign POGO workers to leave in the next few weeks.
