Over 10,000 POGO workers have filed for visa downgrading —BI 

More than 10,000 foreign Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers have already filed for visa downgrading before the October 15 deadline, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday. 

They were given until October 15 to voluntarily downgrade their 9G visas to tourist visas, after which they have until the end of the year to leave the country.

BI Commissioner Joel Viado advised that there will be no more extensions for the filling and those who will not meet the deadline have to leave the country. 

Further, the bureau said that it is planning to conduct implementation days for POGO companies where it can issue exit clearances on-site and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) personnel can accept Alien Employment Permits surrendered by POGO workers. 

“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,” said Viado in a statement. 

Visa downgrading will allow foreigners to revert their status from work visa to a temporary visitor visa, which will allow them to legally work in the Philippines for 59 days, according to BI. 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs last July, after several such businesses were implicated in crimes including human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and money scams.

An interagency has also been formed—composed of BI, the Department of Justice, DOLE, and among others—to oversee the closure of POGOs and assist affected workers. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News