POGO foreign workers given until Dec 31 to leave PH

Foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are given until October 15 to voluntarily downgrade their visas and leave the country.

Starting October 16, their 9G visas will be downgraded to tourist visas.

After the downgrade, these foreigners will be given until the end of the year to leave the country.

If they are still unable to depart by the end of the year, the government will begin deportation proceedings.

This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive from his 3rd State of the Nation Address to ban all POGO operations in the country by year-end.

The Task Force POGO Closure, composed of the DOJ, DOLE, PAGCOR, PAOCC, and BI, has been formed to implement the total ban and ensure the welfare of affected workers.

The Department of Justice previously warned that foreigners whose visas are forcefully cancelled will be blacklisted.