No Exit Exceptions for POGO Foreign Workers: Government Official

Dana Sandoval, spokesperson for the Bureau of Immigration, announced on Monday that there will be no exceptions for the approximately 20,000 foreign employees working for offshore online gaming operators in the Philippines. These workers will be required to leave the country within 60 days after their work permits are canceled once their companies shut down operations. Sandoval shared this information during the morning show Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

On July 22, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), now referred to as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), must cease operations in the Philippines by the end of the year.

When questioned about foreign workers with families in the country, Sandoval mentioned that the bureau has no flexibility for adjustments. “Currently, we do not have provisions for any procedural adjustments. They must leave the country,” she affirmed.

Sandoval also noted that foreign workers would not be permitted to alter their visa status to remain in the country. “This marks the end of their stay here. With their companies’ operations being scaled down, they must leave. They cannot extend their stay or convert their visas to another type,” she explained.

She added that the majority of these 20,000 foreign workers are Chinese nationals.

A recent report by the Philippine Star indicated that most affected offshore gaming workers are based in Metro Manila, with others located in Laguna, Cavite, and Central Luzon.

As of July 16, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the national gaming regulator, reported that there are 38 IGL permit holders authorized to offer gaming services to offshore customers, along with seven provisional licensees. The regulator noted that 43 licensees are currently operational.

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