The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that only 12,000 of the more than 30,000 POGO foreign workers completed the visa downgrade process, highlighting ongoing issues tied to the POGO foreign workers visa downgrade initiative.
This process allowed workers to shift from work visas to temporary visitor visas. As a result, they can legally remain in the country for up to 59 days while finalizing their departure plans.
The deadline for voluntary visa downgrading passed on October 15. Authorities did not provide any extensions.
According to The Manila Times, the BI—together with other government agencies—will now shift its focus to foreign workers who ignored the order. Many of these individuals continue to operate in smaller, more discreet online gaming locations.
These hidden hubs, often set up inside resorts or residential areas, have now become the main targets for enforcement.
Authorities remain determined to resolve this issue by year’s end. The BI aims to carry out enforcement operations and begin arrests by December 31.
Foreign workers who fail to comply will face arrest and deportation.
To strengthen its response, the government formed a multi-agency task force. This team includes the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
This coordinated effort underscores the government’s firm resolve to regulate the remaining POGO workforce. Ultimately, it aims to ensure that all foreign workers either regularize their status or leave the Philippines promptly.
