The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced plans to fast-track the processing of visa downgrades for employees of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and internet gaming licensees (IGLs) to ensure their prompt departure from the country.
BI Acting Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed that the agency has formed teams to visit POGO and IGL companies in person, executing on-the-spot visa downgrades for foreign workers.
Viado emphasized that foreign POGO and IGL workers must voluntarily downgrade their visas by October 15.
After this deadline, POGO personnel are required to leave the Philippines within 59 days or by December 31, or they may face deportation and potential blacklisting.
Viado’s announcement followed a meeting between the BI, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other government agencies, discussing the closure of POGO firms and the corresponding steps for employee exit.
The agencies agreed to designate “service days” for POGO workers, during which the BI will downgrade their visa status and issue exit clearances.
As of now, the BI has downgraded a total of 5,955 visas, with 55% of POGO workers leaving the country by September 24.