The Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned that criminal charges await companies and individuals who provide refuge to over 11,000 illegal foreign workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators ( POGO s) who haven't left the country despite the December 31, 2024 grace period expiry.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated the Bureau will file charges against anyone violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, emphasizing that harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense. The BI launched a manhunt for the immediate arrest of 11,254 foreign nationals involved in Pogo who are now considered illegal aliens after their work visas were revoked due to the nationwide ban on Pogosi imposed by President Marcos. Foreign Pogo workers were initially allowed to downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor's visas to avoid deportation before the December 31 deadline. Viado said out of 33,863 POGO employees listed by the gaming regulator, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), 24,779 had their visas downgraded. A total of 22,609 left the country before the deadline, while over 11,000 opted to illegally stay. These illegal aliens, according to Viado, will be pursued for deportation proceedings and blacklisted. Viado warned that anyone enabling these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face consequences. He reiterated the bureau's commitment to enforcing immigration laws to protect national security and public order
IMMIGRATION POGO FOREIGN WORKERS ILLEGAL ALIENS CRIMINAL CHARGES
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