In a shocking turn of events, the Philippine government has announced that Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling operations will soon lose their visas and face deportation. This bold move comes as part of the government’s crackdown on illegal gambling activities in the country, particularly those run by foreign nationals.
The decision to expel Chinese gamblers is a significant blow to the multi-billion dollar offshore gambling industry in the Philippines, which has been a source of controversy for years. The sector, which allows Chinese gamblers to place bets online, has long been criticized for its lack of regulation and its negative impact on the local economy.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, there are currently around 330,000 Chinese nationals working in the offshore gambling industry in the Philippines. These individuals hold special work permits that allow them to work in the country’s online gambling sector, but these permits are now at risk of being revoked.
The crackdown on Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling comes after years of pressure from both local and international authorities. The Chinese government has long been pushing for a ban on online gambling activities, citing concerns about money laundering, illegal betting, and other criminal activities.
In response to the Philippine government’s decision, Chinese authorities have expressed their support for the move, stating that they will work closely with the Filipino authorities to ensure the smooth deportation of illegal gambling operators.
The crackdown on Chinese nationals in the offshore gambling industry is expected to have a significant impact on the sector, with many operators now facing the possibility of having to shut down their operations or face legal action. The move is also likely to have a ripple effect on the local economy, as thousands of Chinese nationals working in the industry will soon be out of a job.
Despite the potential economic impact, the Philippine government remains steadfast in its decision to crack down on illegal gambling activities in the country. Immigration officials have stated that they will be closely monitoring the offshore gambling industry to ensure that all operators are complying with local laws and regulations.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said, “We want to send a clear message to foreign nationals engaged in illegal gambling activities in the Philippines that we will not tolerate such actions. Our priority is to protect the interests of the Filipino people and ensure that our laws are upheld.”
Overall, the decision to expel Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling operations marks a significant step in the Philippine government’s efforts to clean up the country’s gambling industry and clamp down on illegal activities. It remains to be seen how the sector will respond to the crackdown, but one thing is for sure – all bets are off for Chinese nationals in the Philippines’ offshore gambling industry.