The Philippines plans to deport 281 Chinese workers in online operators, as senators mull whether to ban all forms of i-gaming.

Local media reports Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla as saying that there are thought to be about 40,000 Chinese workers who have overstayed their visas after their employers’ licenses were cancelled by the market regulator.

Philippines Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs) are in the crosshairs of the country’s new government following a spate of kidnappings and other illegal activities. Many of the POGOs employ Mainland Chinese and target China.

A prominent senator earlier this week called for a complete ban on all online activities in the country, claiming that the social ills outweighed the economic benefits. He introduced a bill in the Senate that enjoys bi-partisan support.

Divisions over ban

However, senators are divided on the idea of a ban. Remulla told local media that he believes POGOs should stay, but the industry needs to be cleaned up.?

The Philippines is the only country in Asia to regulate online gambling through POGOs, which are only allowed to offer their services offshore. A separate category of licence – PIGOs – caters to the domestic market.?

Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Andrea Domingo, the former head of the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) oversaw a boom of all forms of gambling in the country. They chose to regulate to raise funds for nation-building projects, such as hospitals and schools.?

However, prior to Covid the POGO sector was frequently in the news for kidnappings and other crimes, as well as significant immigration violations. The industry also raised the ire of Beijing, which is seeking to crack down on operators targeting its nationals.

China welcomed the Philippines’ latest crackdown, which has pledged its support.?

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