As the Philippine government enforces the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), approximately 8,000 foreign workers remain in the country on downgraded tourist visas.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that of the 33,000 foreign workers previously registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), around 23,000 to 24,000 have voluntarily departed. This leaves a substantial group within the country, with only days remaining before the 31 December deadline to exit voluntarily.
These workers, once employed under POGO licences, represent various nationalities from Asia and even Africa. According to a BI official, around 1,000 workers have not initiated the downgrading process and remain unaccounted for. Their visas have been cancelled, and they face deportation if they do not comply by the end of the grace period.
The BI, under directives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), has been actively pursuing compliance. Following the cancellation of POGO licences in mid-December, officials warned that those who fail to downgrade their visas and leave would face blacklisting and deportation proceedings. Immigration authorities are also intensifying efforts to track unauthorised operations that have resorted to fragmented or “guerrilla”-style setups to evade detection.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who first announced the ban during his State of the Nation Address in July, has ordered local governments to bolster intelligence efforts against rogue POGO operations. He recently reiterated his administration’s stance on completely eradicating these businesses.
In another development, the BI said it deported 34 Chinese nationals on 12 December following their involvement in unauthorised online gaming and fraudulent operations. These individuals were apprehended in previous raids conducted on Royal Corporation Xisheng IT, Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, and Royal Park.
The deportees faced numerous violations, including being undocumented, overstaying, working without valid visas or permits, and engaging in employment outside their authorised sponsors. Before their removal, they were detained at a facility managed by the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) after being caught engaging in illegal online gaming operations.
The group was repatriated aboard a Philippine Airlines flight to Xiamen, departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 1.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to enforcing immigration regulations and safeguarding the country from unlawful activities. Speaking to local media, he said the operation reflects the bureau’s determination to uphold Philippine laws and protect individuals affected by these illicit schemes.
The closure of POGOs follows alleged unlawful activities linked to their operations, including issues raised in congressional inquiries. In November, Marcos signed an executive order broadening the ban to include illegal offshore gaming activities and halting new applications or renewals for licences. Government agencies have since coordinated efforts to implement these measures, granting foreign workers a temporary window to adjust their visa status and arrange their departure.
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