The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators set the POGO visa downgrade deadline 2024 for foreign workers. They must voluntarily downgrade their work visas by October 15. The local Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed this announcement on Monday. BI officer in charge Joel Anthony Viado stressed that the deadline will not be extended. Therefore, he urged workers to act promptly.
Viado explained that the 59-day grace period after October 15 aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive. The directive requires foreign POGO workers to leave the Philippines by the end of the year. Additionally, the BI has committed to speeding up the visa downgrading process. This will help workers depart smoothly.
“We will ensure the President’s orders are carried out efficiently and without delay,” Viado stated firmly.
This announcement came after a briefing with officials from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and representatives of POGO companies. When foreign nationals downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor visas, they gain 59 days to settle their affairs legally in the country.
Following the government’s decision to shut down POGO operations, authorities formed a multi-agency task force. This task force includes the BI, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), PAGCOR, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
Moreover, the BI and PAGCOR met again on Monday with POGO company representatives. They discussed further coordination on the visa downgrading process. Viado also mentioned the possibility of “implementation days” for POGO companies. During these days, downgraded visa statuses and exit clearances could be issued immediately.
Finally, foreign workers who fail to leave the Philippines by December 31, 2024, will face deportation. Furthermore, they will be barred from re-entering the country in the future.
