Bureau of Immigration Holds Firm on Departure Order for Foreign POGO Workers

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) affirmed on Monday that its directive for foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to exit the country applies universally, without exceptions for those with families and children residing in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, the current regulations offer no flexibility for foreign POGO workers seeking to alter their visa status to remain in the country. Sandoval emphasized that the cessation of their companies’ operations necessitates their departure, with no options for extending their stay or converting their visas. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco has also initiated discussions with other visa-issuing bodies to unify the approach towards handling the departure of these foreign workers.

This stern directive aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent declaration of a total prohibition on POGO and related internet gaming activities in his third State of the Nation Address. Approximately 20,000 workers, predominantly Chinese nationals, are impacted and are expected to leave following the President’s mandate to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down POGO operations by year’s end.

The BI has set a deadline of September 24 for the voluntary departure of these foreign nationals, after which they may face deportation proceedings.