Joel Anthony Viado, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), stated that foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) will not receive any extension to downgrade their work visas before the deadline of October 15.
Viado mentioned that this information was conveyed during a meeting with representatives from POGO companies on Monday, organized by the BI and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Speaking about the President's announcement to halt all POGO operations by the end of the year, Viado said: "We will ensure that the President's orders are executed swiftly and effectively."
The bureau explained that foreign POGO workers must downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor visas, which would allow them to stay in the Philippines for 59 days.
The bureau stated: "Workers who fail to leave the country by December 31, 2024, will face deportation proceedings and be blacklisted, preventing re-entry into the Philippines."
Nevertheless, the BI assured that "the visa downgrade process has been simplified, and there is no reason for foreign POGO workers to delay compliance."
