The Bureau of Immigration (BI) stated that foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) who wish to visit their children and Filipino spouses should leave by December 31.
This advice was given by the BI through its spokesperson Dana Sandoval during an interview on PTV's Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
"We have repeatedly stated that the deadline of December 31 will not be extended," Sandoval said.
She assured that those willing to return home to visit their children before the deadline can do so.
She emphasized, "If they have reasons to return to the Philippines, like those who are married to Filipinos and have children, they should comply with the regulations."
Sandoval warned that those who do not comply "will be blacklisted, meaning they will be banned from re-entering the Philippines."
She noted that about 33,000 foreign POGO workers are registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Previously, the BI had asked foreign POGO workers to downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor visas by October 15, which only allows them to stay in the Philippines for 60 days.
Sandoval said, "We expect that 6,000 to 7,000 people will leave the country in the coming days."
