BI PUSHES FOR FASTER DEPORTATION OF POGO WORKERS TO CUT COSTS

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is prioritizing the expedited deportation of Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers to reduce government expenses. Since the 2023 crackdown, P210 million has been spent on their detention. Some POGO workers use connecting flights to evade repatriation, prompting the Chinese embassy to request direct flights to Beijing. The BI is working with the National Bureau of Investigation to issue deportation clearances within a day. Deportees are responsible for their own airfare, with assistance from Chinese consular services. Meanwhile, police arrested over 400 POGO workers in a recent Parañaque raid linked to illegal online gaming and human trafficking.