The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines has downgraded the working visas of approximately 2,000 employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to tourist visas.   

This move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban all POGOs, as announced during his State of the Nation Address in July. In a senate budget hearing, BI Director Norman Tansingco revealed that applications for 9g working visas for POGO employees have been halted, with existing applications being denied. The BI will accept voluntary visa downgrades until October 15, 2024, after which mandatory cancellations will begin, culminating in the termination of all POGO operations by December 31, 2024.  

Visa downgrade and exit requirements  

Tansingco emphasised that once downgraded to tourist status, POGO employees will have 59 days to settle their affairs and leave the country. The BI’s actions affected those employed by legally operating POGOs before the ban announcement, with a particular focus on transitioning them out of the Philippines.    POGO hubs engaged in illegal activities will face investigations, and foreign workers apprehended in these operations will be deported. The directive has broader implications for the estimated 100,000 foreign POGO workers in the country, who may now face similar visa downgrades.  

Challenges in implementing the visa downgrade  

Implementing the visa downgrade presents logistical challenges, including securing adequate flights for departing workers. Tansingco acknowledged a shortage of available flights to repatriate the affected employees, many of whom are Chinese nationals.    In response, the Filipino-Chinese Federation has offered charter flights to facilitate their return to China. The Senate Committee on Finance Chair, Sen. Grace Poe, has urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to expedite these efforts, ensuring the smooth and timely exit of POGO employees.  

Impact on legal and illegal POGO operations  

While the visa downgrades affect employees of legally operating POGOs, authorities remain vigilant against illegal operators. POGO hubs found involved in illicit activities are under scrutiny, with investigations underway. Employees caught in these illegal operations face immediate deportation, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban and ensuring compliance with Philippine immigration laws. The recent changes, including the reclassification of the remaining legal POGOs as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), aim to streamline the industry and enhance regulatory oversight.  

Future of POGO workforce in the Philippines  

The Philippine government’s stance on POGOs marks a shift in its approach to offshore gaming operations, with visa downgrades serving as a key tool to phase out the sector. As the deadline for visa downgrades approaches, the BI and other agencies are working to manage the transition, balancing regulatory enforcement with humanitarian considerations for the affected workforce. 

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