Mass Exodus of POGO Workers: 24,000 Foreign Employees Depart Philippines

In a significant development, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that approximately 24,000 foreign workers from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have exited the country. This figure represents a large 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 urgency of the situation, reminding foreign POGO workers that they must leave the Philippines by the end of the year or face blacklisting by the BI. 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 also prohibits new license applications, renewals, and mandates the cessation of existing operations. The crackdown on POGOs is a response to their alleged involvement in illegal activities.