The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to expedite exit applications for foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL) in the country.
BI Officer-in-Charge Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado announced that the agency has formed teams to personally visit POGOs and IGL companies and implement on-the-spot downgrading.
During an inter-agency meeting on POGO closures, attended by representatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other concerned government agencies including the DOJ, DOLE, DILG, PAGCOR, PNP, NBI, and PAOCC, Task Force members agreed to hold service days for POGO companies. The said service days will facilitate the downgrading of visa statuses and the issuance of exit clearances.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to join Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives during service days to accept surrendered alien employment permits from POGO workers.
Viado reiterated the DOJ's earlier announcement that all foreign POGO workers have until October 15, 2024, to voluntarily downgrade their visa status.
Foreign workers who fail to apply by October 15 will be ordered to leave the country within 59 days. Should they fail to depart by December 31, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will initiate deportation proceedings against them.
BI reported that as of September 24, it has downgraded 5,955 visas, with 55% of those visa holders already having left the country.
Additionally, BI anticipates a more difficult situation in 2025, as individuals who refuse to leave will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting from the Philippines.
