Credits: Philippine Star
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Tuesday its plan to revoke the visas of foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) following an immediate ban on the online gambling firms.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco stated that the agency would coordinate with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to cancel the permits issued to POGO hubs and their foreign employees. Tansingco echoed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s sentiment that the social costs of POGO hubs outweighed their benefits. This stance was reinforced by the deportation of over 2,300 foreign workers involved in scam operations linked to POGOs.
President Marcos implemented the POGO ban after a series of raids uncovered equipment used for torture, love scams, and other crimes associated with illegal POGO activities.
In response to the ban, DOLE announced plans to offer jobs and livelihood programs to Filipino workers affected by the shutdown. PAGCOR reported that approximately 40,000 Filipino employees from POGO firms would be impacted.
Additionally, Tansingco revealed that the BI is procuring 61 electronic gates (e-gates) for the first phase of its e-gate expansion project, aimed at reducing processing time for arriving travelers. Currently, 21 e-gates are installed at major international airports in the country, with more expected to be added within the year.
