BI chief reminds POGO workers of year-end departure deadline
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All foreign employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have been reminded by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to adhere to the government-mandated deadline to depart the country before the end of the year.
As December approaches, BI Commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado emphasized how serious the issue is, noting that foreign nationals have less than a month to comply with the Philippine government's directive to cease POGO operations.
The BI chief explained that the deadline reminder was necessary to guarantee a seamless and orderly process for the affected foreign workers. Affected individuals are advised to prepare all necessary travel arrangements promptly.
Atty. Viado stated that as of 7 November, a total of 21,757 foreign workers involved in POGO operations voluntarily downgraded their work visas to temporary tourist visas, and a total of 10,821 foreign nationals have already left the country as a result of the downgrade applications that were authorized.
Last October, 12,106 foreign nationals who had not yet downgraded their visas received cancellation orders from the BI. The said order requires those who have not voluntarily downgraded their visas and left the country to depart before the year ends.
Atty. Viado also issued a warning, saying that anyone who does not comply with the deadline will face deportation procedures and be placed on the BI blacklist. The Bureau expects around 20,000 more foreign POGO workers to leave the country in the next few weeks.
