MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that approximately 24,000 foreign workers from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have departed the country. This figure represents a significant portion of the 33,000 POGO employees registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), as stated by Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. Additionally, around 8,000 workers have sought to convert their work visas to visitor visas. Viado noted that only a small number of these workers remain unaccounted for, with less than a thousand still to be located. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to find these individuals. Viado also issued a reminder to all foreign POGO workers that they must leave the Philippines by the end of the year, warning that failure to comply would result in blacklisting by the BI after December 31. This directive follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 74, issued on November 5, which imposes an immediate ban on POGOs, Internet gaming, and other offshore gaming activities. The order extends to Internet gaming licensees (IGLs) and other offshore gaming licensees, prohibiting new license applications, renewals, and mandating the cessation of operations. The decision to ban these operations was influenced by reports linking POGOs to various illegal activities.
Mass Exodus of Foreign POGO Workers from the Philippines
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