The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines stated on Wednesday (August 28) that since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the ban on gambling platforms, the immigration office has downgraded the visa status of about 2,000 employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
At a Senate hearing, BI Director Norman Tansingco mentioned that around 100,000 POGO employees have not yet obtained the new Internet Gaming License (IGL).
As of August 27, Tansingco stated that they have downgraded the 9G visa status of about 2,000 POGO employees. The 9G visa is a work visa that allows foreigners to work in the Philippines.
Tansingco said that they will allow voluntary downgrading of 9G visas until October 15. After that, starting from October 16, they will begin canceling 9G visas, aiming to end all operations by December 31, 2024.
"There is no reason to work here, so we have already started downgrading work visas to tourist visas, which will allow them to settle all responsibilities, obtain permits, and leave the country within 59 days after the downgrade order," Tansingco said.
He clarified that these 100,000 workers are different from those working for unlicensed POGO or without IGL.
The Bureau of Immigration is collaborating with other government agencies to ensure that these 100,000 workers will comply with the downgrade and eventually leave.
