Number of POGO workers continues to rise

MANILA, Philippines, March 9 ------ More Chinese and other foreign nationals are opting to work in Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) companies despite stricter regulations imposed by the government, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported. Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay said DOLE has recorded a continuing growth in the number of foreign nationals working in the country. “From January to mid-February this year, we have issued about 20,000 alien employment permits (AEPs). So the number of foreign workers is still increasing, considering that it’s just the first two months of the year,” Tutay said in an interview.

Of the figure, Tutay said a majority – or 15,000 – of the AEPs were issued to POGO-related workers. “I just don’t know if that’s new arrivals, or just renewals of AEPs,” Tutay said. Foreign nationals are allowed to renew AEPs. Tutay said Chinese nationals account for 75 percent of the foreign workers who were able to secure AEPs from DOLE.

In 2019, DOLE had issued more than 143,000 AEPs to POGO-related workers. Of the number, almost 80 percent are Chinese nationals. Tutay said the number of AEPs issued to foreign nationals last year had tripled compared to previous years, as the government imposed new rules governing employment of foreign workers. Under the new rules, foreign workers who will work in the country for more than six months are required to secure AEPs.

Prior to the imposition of the new regulation, foreign nationals were only applying for a special working permit which is given to foreigners who will stay and work in the country for less than six months. Foreign nationals are also required to obtain a Tax Identification Number prior to issuance of an AEP to ensure that they will pay taxes to the government. Tutay said foreign workers who will be found working without the necessary permit shall be deported, while those not paying their taxes will face charges.

Source: philstar.com