MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday reminded foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) who have downgraded their working visas to use the 59 days to prepare for their departure.ii89ph
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the foreign workers have been given enough time to finish all their dealings, including securing documents.
“A downgrade of a foreign national’s working visa to a temporary visitor’s visa means the holders of these visas must be ready to depart from the Philippines,” she said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing. “This is not for leisure or to find another job to wind down affairs. Pack up and buy a ticket to leave the country.”
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Fight vs Pogos ‘far from over,’ Gatchalian says after raid near Senate
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They have until yearend to wrap up operations.
Article continues after this advertisementA foreign national of an online gaming company who is supposed to leave the country after a downgrade of a working visa will still be subjected to deportation proceedings even if a new employer is found.
Article continues after this advertisementThe foreign worker would be blacklisted from entering the Philippines, Sandoval said.
Based on the latest BI data, at least 12,000 foreign Pogo workers filed applications to downgrade their working visas. (PNA)
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