In a significant move affecting thousands of foreign workers, the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) has mandated that employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and online gaming operators (IGLs) must depart the country by September 2024.
Details of the Directive
The directive, announced by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, sets a clear deadline for foreign workers in the POGO and IGL sectors to leave the Philippines. Effective from July 26, 2024, the new order provides a 60-day period for these workers to comply. Any pending or new visa applications for individuals in these sectors will be denied, and those who remain in violation of the order will face arrest and deportation.
Government Agencies Involved
To ensure the effective implementation of this directive, the Bureau of Immigration is collaborating with multiple government agencies. The Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are all involved in monitoring and enforcing the new regulations. This coordinated effort aims to address and prevent illegal activities associated with foreign workers in the POGO and IGL industries.
Impact on Foreign Workers
An estimated 20,000 foreign workers are currently employed by POGOs and IGLs in the Philippines. The abrupt mandate for their departure presents numerous challenges, including logistical issues and potential financial instability. These workers must now navigate a tight deadline to make arrangements for their departure, potentially disrupting their lives and careers.
Response from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
In response to the upheaval caused by the POGO and IGL ban, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has taken proactive steps to support displaced local workers. Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has announced that DOLE will conduct a comprehensive profiling of affected employees and organize job fairs to connect them with new employment opportunities. Additionally, training and upskilling programs will be implemented to help local workers transition into new roles, minimizing the impact of the sector’s closure on their livelihoods.
Economic and Social Implications
The closure of POGOs and IGLs and the subsequent departure of thousands of foreign workers are poised to have significant repercussions on the Philippine economy. The gaming industry has been a substantial contributor to local revenues and employment. The government’s decision reflects broader efforts to address illegal activities associated with these sectors but also raises questions about the future stability of the local job market and foreign investment climate.
Statements from Officials
Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma emphasized the importance of supporting local workers who have been affected by the POGO and IGL closures. “We are committed to ensuring that displaced workers have access to new job opportunities and the necessary training to secure their future employment,” Laguesma stated.
Additionally, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan highlighted the need for measures to address concerns raised by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regarding the industry’s impact on the national economy. “We are working to balance the need for regulatory enforcement with the economic implications of these changes,” Balisacan noted.
The Philippines’ recent directive to expel foreign workers from POGOs and IGLs marks a pivotal shift in the country’s regulatory landscape. As the deadline approaches, both foreign and local workers are navigating a period of uncertainty. The government’s coordinated response, including support for affected local employees, will play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of this decision and shaping the future of the Philippine labor market.