Following the forced closure of POGOs in the Philippines, around 11,000 foreign workers remain in the country illegally.
The Philippines Department of Justice has issued a warning to workers still affiliated with the now-prohibited Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) segment, hinting at severe repercussions for non-compliance for thousands of workers still in the country.
Media outlet ABS-CBN reported that the country’s Bureau of Immigration has announced its intent to deport approximately 11,000 foreign workers connected to the shuttered POGOs.
These workers are primarily individuals who failed to comply with the requirement to adjust their visa status or leave the Philippines after the government set strict deadlines.
The group also includes those who downgraded their visas but overstayed beyond the validity of their visitor permits.
Before the cutoff date of 31 December 2024, authorities reported that 22,609 foreign workers tied to offshore gaming operations voluntarily left the country. Despite this compliance rate, thousands remain in the Philippines in violation of immigration laws.
Authorities have emphasised that foreign nationals who fail to surrender or leave voluntarily face measures such as permanent immigration blacklisting, effectively barring them from re-entering the country.
The deportation process for the 11,000 foreign workers still in the country is expected to involve coordinated efforts between the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice, and local law enforcement.
Authorities have vowed to ensure that the deportations are carried out lawfully while minimising disruptions to public order.
Operator non grata
The crackdown follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who, in July 2024, made it clear that POGOs—now known as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs)—would be prohibited in the country by year-end.
By November, this directive was formalised through an executive order banning all offshore online gaming operations, including existing license holders, new applications, renewals, and unauthorized activities.
The administration has taken a hardline stance, highlighting the risks associated with offshore gaming, such as potential links to illegal activities and adverse social impacts.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban, emphasising that the President’s position is firm: POGOs have no place in the Philippines. He further stressed that these measures aim to safeguard the safety and well-being of Filipino citizens.
Gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has worked closely with operators to ensure compliance with the ban.
Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR’s chairman and CEO, reported in mid-December that all remaining legitimate offshore online gaming operators had voluntarily submitted letters indicating their intent to shut down operations.
This voluntary compliance aligns with the government’s broader efforts to eliminate the offshore gaming sector.
The issue of POGOs has been contentious in the Philippines for years. While proponents argued that the industry brought significant tax revenue and foreign investment, critics pointed to its association with criminal activities, including human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering.
Law enforcement agencies also noted an uptick in crimes linked to POGO operations, further fueling public outcry and government scrutiny.
The President’s decisive action to outlaw offshore online gaming operations has drawn praise from various sectors, particularly advocates for social welfare and law enforcement. However, questions remain about the long-term economic impact of losing the revenue once generated by POGOs.
The administration has countered these concerns by asserting that the social costs of the industry far outweighed any financial benefits.