Foreigners lose work permits if their POGO firm leaves

June 30, 2020

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Tuesday reminded foreign workers of Philippine  Offshore Gaming Operators ( POGO) their Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) will also be cancelled once POGO firms leave the country.

In an interview Tuesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said: ''Their AEPs are automatically cancelled. They don't have the right to work here anymore since their operators (employers) have already left the country.''

He said foreign workers can extend their stay  if they find a new employer and then apply for an AEP.

"They will have to apply again because we need to verify if their next employer or operator is paying the right taxes," explained Bello.

Earlier, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.(PAGCOR) said at least two POGOs have left the country and more are expected to leave.

This comes amid the failure of some industry players to settle tax obligations with the Philippine government.

 Bello said DOLE have yet to receive information regarding closure of some POGOs. DMS