No POGO worker visa extension as Dec 31 deadline looms

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced that there will be no extension for the December 31 deadline for foreign Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers to depart the country, as mandated by the President's order to cease POGO operations by year-end.

Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that out of 33,000 foreign POGO workers, approximately 21,000 have already adjusted their Philippine visas, with most of them having already left.

The BI anticipates that an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 foreign workers will leave in the coming days, as failure to do so after December 31 will result in blacklisting and deportation.

Sandoval advised that foreign workers wishing to return to the Philippines in the future, particularly those with spouses or children in the country, must comply with the regulations by leaving and downgrading their visas.

Non-compliance with the departure and visa downgrading regulations will lead to blacklisting, preventing re-entry into the Philippines and making future family reunification more difficult.