The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Monday that it expects around 20,000 former offshore gaming workers to leave the Philippines by the end of the month. This exodus comes as government agencies move closer to fully enforcing the nationwide ban on offshore gaming operations.
In its official statement, the BI reminded all affected foreign workers to comply with the government’s exit deadline, set for December 31, 2024. The agency also warned that failure to depart by then may lead to deportation and future denial of entry.
As of November 7, the BI reported that 21,757 foreign nationals previously employed by offshore gaming firms had already downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor status. Out of that total, 10,821 individuals have already left the country. Meanwhile, the BI issued visa cancellation orders in October to 12,106 individuals who failed to adjust their immigration status.
The government launched this enforcement drive following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s announcement in his July State of the Nation Address. During that address, the president introduced an immediate ban on all offshore gaming operators, giving them until the end of 2024 to shut down. The government formalized the ban through an Executive Order issued in early November.
Moving forward, the BI said it plans to assist in organizing the departure of remaining foreign workers. The agency also encouraged all affected individuals to finalize their travel arrangements as soon as possible to meet the deadline without delay.
