BI: Over 10K alien POGO workers downgrade visas

FILE: View of the Bureau of Immigration Building from Binondo across the Pasig River. (Photo By Judgefloro/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – More than 10,000 foreign workers of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have filed for a downgrade of their visas, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Monday.

In a statement, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reminded foreigners to voluntarily downgrade their visas before the Oct. 15 deadline.

Viado said procedures have been simplified to ensure compliance.

“We are expediting the downgrading process to comply with the President’s directive. We encourage POGO workers to file as early as possible to avoid complications,” he said.

Viado warned that those who fail to downgrade by the deadline or leave the country by Dec. 31 will face deportation and blacklisting.

He reiterated that there will be no extensions for filing, and those who will file after the deadline will be ordered to leave the country.

Visa downgrading allows foreign nationals to revert their status from a work visa to a temporary visitor visa, thereby enabling them to remain legally in the Philippines for 59 days while winding down their affairs.

The 59-day period from the deadline aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has ordered foreign POGO workers to leave the country by the end of the year.

Viado added the BI, together with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., conducted a briefing last Sept. 30 with representatives of POGO companies.

During the briefing, the Bureau said it may conduct implementation days for POGO companies where the agency could implement downgraded visa status and issue exit clearances onsite.

He said DOLE representatives will also be present during these service days to accept surrendered Alien Employment Permits from POGO workers.

As part of the government’s initiative to wind down POGO operations, an interagency task force composed of the BI, Department of Justice, DOLE, PAGCOR, and other key agencies has been formed to oversee the closure of POGOs and assist affected workers.