The Bureau of Immigration will revoke work permits for approximately 20,000 foreign workers employed by offshore gaming operators in the Philippines. This directive takes effect on Friday, July 26. Commissioner Norman Tansingco announced it on Wednesday. Therefore, these workers must leave the country within 60 days. The final deadline to depart is September 24.
This action follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement on Monday. He ordered all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), now rebranded as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), to cease operations by the end of the year. Moreover, Marcos cited serious criminal activities linked to some operators. These include financial fraud, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder.
A report from the Philippine Star on Thursday revealed that most affected foreign workers operate in Metro Manila. Additionally, other operations exist in Laguna, Cavite, and Central Luzon. Meanwhile, the Philippine Inquirer reported that Alejandro Tengco, chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), plans to consult with Commissioner Tansingco. He intends to discuss the 60-day deadline. This consultation arises because the president allowed operations to continue until December 31.
Furthermore, the Bureau of Immigration stated that it has already deported 2,300 foreigners. These individuals allegedly participated in fraudulent schemes disguised as gaming companies. In July, Pagcor introduced new regulations for offshore operators. Consequently, these rules require POGOs to convert their permits to IGLs. As of July 16, Pagcor authorized 38 IGL permit holders and seven provisional licensees. These licensees can offer gaming services to offshore customers. According to Pagcor, 43 licensees currently operate under these permits.
Official data shows that by the end of 2023, around 25,064 Filipinos worked in various POGOs. Approximately 22,000 of these workers were based in Metro Manila. Additionally, Pagcor’s chief highlighted that the Philippine government could lose roughly PHP23 billion (US$393.3 million) annually in license fees and taxes from offshore operators.
Finally, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stated in June that the labor department prepares to support Filipino workers affected by a potential ban on offshore gaming operators. The government aims to ease the transition and provide assistance throughout the process.
