On September 6, the Philippine Department of Justice called on foreign employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to voluntarily downgrade their visas, or face forced cancellation. The spokesperson warned that foreigners whose visas are forcibly cancelled will be blacklisted.
Justice spokesperson Cravano stated that foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators must voluntarily downgrade their visas by October 15.
He said during a media briefing: "After that, starting from October 16, we will begin to cancel the work visas of personnel from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. Once their visas are forcibly cancelled, they will be blacklisted."
He added: "Therefore, for those who do not wish to be blacklisted and continue working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, we urge and encourage them to voluntarily downgrade their visas."
According to Cravano, once the visas of the workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators are downgraded, they will be considered as tourists.
He mentioned: "In this case, their stay in the country is time-limited and cannot exceed the specified duration."
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Department of Justice said that the government regulatory body, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), will provide a "Service Day" for offshore gaming operators with more than 3000 employees, which is to assist the employees of the related companies in handling the visa downgrade.
Cravano explained: "This is essentially a one-stop service platform. Companies with 3000 or more employees can go there to expedite the processing of visa downgrades."
