No extension on POGO workers visa downgrade

The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) have given foreign workers until October 15 to voluntarily downgrade their work visas, as confirmed by the local Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday. BI officer in charge Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the deadline will not be extended, urging workers to act promptly.

Viado noted that the 59-day grace period following October 15 aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for foreign POGO workers to leave the Philippines by the end of the year. The BI has committed to expediting the visa downgrading process to facilitate the workers’ departure.

“We will ensure the President’s orders are carried out efficiently and without delay,” Viado stated.

The announcement followed a briefing with officials from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and POGO company representatives. Downgrading work visas allows foreign nationals to switch from a work visa to a temporary visitor visa, granting them 59 days to settle their affairs legally in the country.

In response to the government’s decision to shut down POGO operations, a multi-agency task force was formed, including 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).

The BI and PAGCOR also met with POGO company representatives on Monday to further coordinate the visa downgrading process. Viado mentioned that the BI may hold “implementation days” for POGO companies, where downgraded visa statuses and exit clearances could be issued immediately.

Foreign workers who fail to leave the Philippines by December 31, 2024, will face deportation and be blacklisted from re-entering the country.

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