Over 5,000 POGO foreign workers failed to downgrade visas

More than 5,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have not downgraded their visas by the October 15th deadline, as the government moves to shut down these businesses by the end of the year, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. imposed a ban on all POGOs in July due to their involvement in illegal activities, including torture and scams. A deadline has been set by the Marcos administration to wind up all POGO operations before December 31st of this year.
As reported by Filipino media, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that these workers are prohibited from engaging in business activities but may assist in winding down operations.
Visa downgrading allows foreign workers to shift from work visas to temporary visitor visas, permitting them to remain in the Philippines for up to 59 days.
In contrast, over 12,000 foreign workers from closed POGOs have successfully applied for visa downgrades.
Remulla noted that many of the foreign workers, predominantly Chinese citizens, are reluctant to return home, presenting a challenge for the government. He indicated that the situation could lead to a humanitarian crisis if not managed properly.
As a response to the non-compliance, the DOJ is considering fugitive recovery operations to address those who failed to downgrade their visas. However, Remulla assured that the government can handle the situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that workers can reclaim their funds during the winding down process of POGO operations.

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