PAGCOR: POGO work permits to last until end of 2024
The same also applies for IGLs, even if their licences have not expired by the end of the year.
The work permits of both foreign and local employees of Philippines offshore gaming operators (POGO) will be valid only until the end of 2024, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) has confirmed.
This also includes those hired under the offshore gaming employment licences issued to workers of internet gaming licensees (IGLs), which will be valid until 31 December 2024, as reported by the Philippines news media.
The above-mentioned adjustment was approved by PAGCOR’s CEO Alejandro Tengco, in compliance with the nationwide POGO ban announced by the Philippines’ President during his SONA speech.
Prior to the ban, POGOs, which were later rebranded as IGLs, had a three-year validity for their licences.
While PAGCOR was in compliance with the President’s orders, its CEO Tengco had voiced his concerns about the projected PHP 23bn ($0.41bn) revenue loss for PAGCOR and loss of 40,000 local jobs.
Shortly after the POGO ban was announced on 22 July, POGO employees, especially foreign workers, were given 60 days from 26 July onwards to leave the Philippines or face penalties. The public was also urged by local authorities to flush out illegal POGO workers hiding in their midst, while those who were caught were swiftly deported back to their home countries.
PAGCOR had also appealed for outsourcing companies serving US and UK operations to be spared from the POGO ban.
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