BI: Over 12,000 ex-POGO workers applied for visa downgrade

More than 12,000 foreign workers of discontinued Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) have applied for the downgrade of their working visas, the Bureau of Immigration has said.

Foreign workers from POGOs have been given until October 15 to downgrade their 9G visas to tourist visas. They have until the end of the year to leave the country.

"Around 12,000 foreigners have downgraded po," BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told GMA News Online on Tuesday.

Sandoval foreign workers whose working visas have been downgraded will be reverted to having a temporary visitor status.

“Kapag tayo ay nagda-downgrade, nakakakuha po siya ng 59 days after the downgrading, na temporary visitor's visa, but not para mamasyal, o magikot-ikot o magtrabaho pa," Sandoval said.

"Since temporary visitors visa ay for the foreign nationals to wind down his affairs, ibig sabihin, ligpit, prepare for the departure, mag-impake,” she added. 

(When the foreigner downgrades, he or she will have 59 days after the downgrading, a temporary visitor visa, not to roam around or work. A temporary visitor visa is for foreign nationals to wind down their affairs, that is, gather things, prepare for departure, and pack up.) 

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

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

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 others—to oversee the closure of POGOs and assist affected workers. —NB, GMA Integrated News