The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines stated that approximately 7,000 foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are expected to leave the country in the coming days.
Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said on the PTV program Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, "It is expected that between 6,000 and 7,000 people will leave." The spokesperson reminded that according to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., these workers must leave the country by December 31, as the directive requires all POGO operations to cease by the end of the year.
She warned, "If these individuals do not comply, they will be blacklisted, which means they will be banned from re-entering the Philippines."
If they comply with the regulations, Sandoval said, "They might be banned from re-entering the Philippines."
The Bureau of Immigration previously required foreign online gambling company workers to downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor visas by October 15, allowing them to stay in the country for 60 days.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has registered about 33,000 foreign workers of online gaming companies.
