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The Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) has said foreign workers employed by POGOs and IGLs have been given 60 days, or until September 2024, to leave the country.
According to Philippines news reports, the order was issued by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, in compliance with the nationwide POGO ban by Philippines President Marcos Jr.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the order is effective from 26 July.
Any pending and new applications for visas for POGO and IGL workers will be denied by the bureau, and foreign workers going against the order would be arrested and deported, Tansingco added.
The BI has been working with various government agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Bureau of Investigation to go after foreigners who were involved in illegal activities.
According to PAGCOR data, an estimated 20,000 foreign workers have been hired by POGOs and IGLs.
For displaced local Philippines employees, Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stated that the DOLE started profiling affected local workers and will be holding a job fair and training or upskilling for them.
A measure suggested by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary, Arsenio Balisacan, addressing PAGCOR’s concerns.
