The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines reported that over 10,000 foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) have applied for a downgrade of their visa status.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reminded foreigners to voluntarily downgrade their visa status before the deadline of October 15.
Viado stated that procedures have been simplified to ensure compliance.
"We are expediting the downgrade process to comply with the President's directive. We encourage POGO employees to submit their applications early to avoid complications," he said.
Viado warned that those who fail to downgrade by the deadline or leave the country by December 31 will face deportation and blacklisting.
He reiterated that there will be no extension for submitting applications, and those who submit late will be ordered to leave the country.
The visa downgrade allows foreign nationals to revert their status from a work visa to a temporary visitor visa, thereby legally staying in the Philippines for 59 days while handling their affairs.
The 59 days from the deadline align with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has ordered foreign POGO workers to leave the country by the end of the year.
Viado added that the Bureau of Immigration held a briefing with representatives of POGO companies on September 30, in collaboration with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
At the briefing, the bureau indicated that it might host implementation day events for POGO companies, during which the agency can implement visa status downgrades and issue exit permits on-site.
He mentioned that representatives from the Department of Labor will also be present during these service dates to accept the foreign employment permits surrendered by offshore gaming company workers.
As part of the government's gradual shutdown of offshore gaming companies, the Philippine government has established an inter-agency task force composed of the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and other key agencies to oversee the closure of offshore gaming companies and assist affected workers.
