BI reminds POGO workers visa downgrade deadline Oct 15

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is reminding foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to downgrade their visas before the October 15 deadline, with no extensions granted.

Failure to meet the deadline will result in an order for foreign workers to leave the Philippines.

The BI, along with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), previously held a briefing for POGO companies on September 30.

The BI is considering implementing on-site visa downgrading and exit clearance issuance for POGO companies.

Over 10,000 POGO workers have already initiated the visa downgrading process, which allows them to revert to temporary visitor visas for 59 days to settle their affairs.

This directive aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order for foreign POGO workers to depart the country by the end of the year.

Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the expedited processing of visa downgrades to comply with the President's directive and urged POGO workers to file early to prevent complications.