MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is not keen on giving special adjustments for foreign workers with families and kids who are employed under the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“As of now, we do not have room for any adjustments in the procedure. They would have to leave the country,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a televised public briefing.
Sandoval said that approximately 20,000 foreign workers, primarily Chinese nationals, will need to leave in light of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a complete ban on POGO and internet gaming licensee operations during his third State of the Nation Address.
The BI official said that foreign workers are not permitted to change their visa status for them to remain in the country.
They could no longer extend further. They could no longer convert it to any other type of visa,” Sandoval said.
Marcos has also directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to halt POGO operations by the end of the year.
He also said the Department of Labor and Employment has been tasked with assisting displaced POGO workers in finding new job opportunities due to the impending industry shutdown.
The BI has given foreign POGO workers until September 24 to voluntarily leave the country, or they will face deportation.
