3,000 Foreign POGO Workers Leave Philippines After Visa Changes

The recent exodus of approximately 3,000 foreign workers employed by the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) highlights the significant impact of recent visa policy changes in the Philippines. With their work visas downgraded to tourist visas, many have opted to leave the country, as confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). BI Officer-in-Charge Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that 5,955 visas were downgraded by September 24th, prompting over half of the affected workers to exit the Philippines.

During a recent “Task Force POGO Closure” meeting, representatives from key government bodies including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) discussed their unified efforts. They agreed on organizing service days to directly address the POGO companies, facilitating visa downgrades and issuing exit clearances on-site. This move aims to streamline the departure process for foreign nationals working as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs).

The DOJ has set an October 15th deadline for foreign POGO workers to voluntarily downgrade their visas. Failing to comply by this date will result in a 59-day grace period for leaving the country, with deportation proceedings to follow for those who remain. By December 31st, any foreign workers still in the Philippines will face arrest, deportation, and be blacklisted from returning.

Anticipating the challenges of 2025, Viado acknowledged the forthcoming focus on apprehending those who defy the exit orders, ensuring compliance with the new immigration policies. This proactive stance underscores the Philippines’ commitment to regulating its gaming industry and enforcing immigration laws.

In a related incident, the BI announced the arrest of two South Korean nationals, Lee Wonwoong and Huh Hwan, as they attempted to extend their tourist visas. These individuals were flagged for derogatory records associated with illegal activities, reinforcing the Philippine government’s stringent immigration enforcement.

This comprehensive crackdown on POGO workers and the enforcement of new visa policies reflect a broader governmental initiative aimed at regulating the offshore gambling sector. The Philippines’ resolve to maintain legal and orderly immigration practices sets a precedent amid growing concerns within the gaming industry. Through well-coordinated inter-agency efforts, the country is taking definitive steps to address these challenges head-on.