DoLE: Over 6K POGO workers have no permits

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) on Tuesday revealed that over 6,600 foreign workers are illegally employed by 177 Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) service providers in the country.

During the hearing on the Labor department’s proposed P14.4 billion budget for 2020, Bureau of Local Employment Director Nikki Tutay said there were 57,288 foreign workers at the POGO.

According to Tutay, the agency’s inspection in June showed that out of this number, 8,371 didn’t have alien employment permits issued by the DOLE and special working permits issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

“The DoLE-NCR summoned the concerned employers and since, there have been 1,693 who have secured AEP,” said Tutay, adding that it brought down the number of illegal foreign workers to 6,678.

Based on Pagcor records, there are at least 58 accredited POGO businesses.