Philippines Orders 20,000 Foreign Workers in Offshore Gaming to Exit Within 60 Days

Approximately 20,000 foreign workers employed by offshore gaming operators in the Philippines are set to have their work permits revoked, requiring them to leave the country within 60 days, with a final deadline of September 24. This directive, effective from Friday (July 26), was issued by the Bureau of Immigration and announced on Wednesday by Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s Monday announcement that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), now rebranded as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), must cease operations by the end of the year. Marcos cited severe criminal activities associated with some operators, including financial fraud, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder.

A Thursday report from the Philippine Star indicated that the majority of the affected workers are based in Metro Manila, with additional operations in Laguna, Cavite, and Central Luzon. Meanwhile, the Philippine Inquirer reported that Alejandro Tengco, chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), plans to consult with Commissioner Tansingco about the 60-day deadline, given that the president had allowed operations to continue until December 31.

The Bureau of Immigration also noted that it had already deported 2,300 foreigners allegedly involved in fraudulent operations disguised as gaming companies. Last July, Pagcor introduced new regulations for offshore operators, requiring POGOs to convert their permits to IGLs. As of July 16, there were 38 IGL permit holders and seven provisional licensees authorized to offer gaming services to offshore customers, with 43 licensees currently operational according to Pagcor.

Official data indicates that as of the end of 2023, around 25,064 Filipinos were employed by various POGOs, with about 22,000 based in Metro Manila. The Pagcor chief highlighted that the Philippine government stands to lose approximately PHP23 billion (US$393.3 million) annually in license fees and taxes from offshore operators.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stated in June that the department was preparing to support affected Filipino workers in the event of a ban on offshore gaming operators.

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