Philippines Launches Major Crackdown on 11,000 Illegal POGO Workers
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has launched an intensive search for over 11,000 foreign workers who remained in the country after the December 31, 2024 deadline to leave following the shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that approximately 11,254 former POGO employees, primarily Chinese nationals, are now considered illegal aliens and face immediate deportation.
Store Closure Notice Due To POGO
The crackdown follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s July order to shut down all POGOs, responding to pressure from China to stop online gambling operations targeting Chinese citizens. At its peak in 2019, the POGO industry generated approximately $3 billion from overseas players and employed around 40,000 workers, mainly Mandarin-speaking Chinese nationals.
Many Chinese immigrants now face a difficult choice: risk prosecution in China for participating in overseas gambling operations or remain illegally in the Philippines. Many were initially attracted by promises of better opportunities but reportedly encountered unfavorable working conditions.
The Philippines government has also warned property owners that allowing POGOs to operate on their premises will result in criminal prosecution and possible asset forfeiture. Reports indicate some operations have attempted to continue by relocating to apartments and hotel rooms.
These enforcement measures align with Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling and prevent capital outflow, which China considers a national security concern. While mainland China only permits state-run lotteries and sports betting pools, with casino gambling restricted to Macau, POGOs had previously provided unauthorized access to gambling services for Chinese citizens.