In a move that has shocked the foreign worker community in the Philippines, the government has issued an order for all non-resident foreign workers in offshore gaming hubs to leave the country within two months. This directive, which was announced by the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment, is part of a crackdown on the burgeoning online gambling industry in the country.
The order affects thousands of foreign workers who are employed in the offshore gaming hubs that have sprung up across the Philippines in recent years. These hubs, which cater to online gamblers from mainland China and other countries, have been a source of controversy due to allegations of illegal activities and unethical practices.
According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the decision to expel foreign workers was made in response to concerns about the impact of the offshore gaming industry on the local labor market. “We want to protect the welfare of our Filipino workers and ensure that they have access to decent employment opportunities,” Bello said in a statement.
The government’s decision has been met with mixed reactions from the foreign worker community. While some have expressed understanding of the government’s concerns, others have criticized the move as unfair and discriminatory. Many of the affected foreign workers have lived and worked in the Philippines for several years and have built lives and relationships in the country.
The sudden announcement has also raised questions about the broader implications of the government’s crackdown on the offshore gaming industry. Some experts have warned that the expulsion of foreign workers could have a negative impact on the Philippine economy, as the online gambling industry is a major source of revenue for the country.
In response to the government’s decision, some foreign workers have begun looking for alternative employment opportunities in other countries. Others have expressed hope that the government will reconsider its decision and allow them to continue working in the Philippines.
As the deadline for the expulsion of foreign workers approaches, the situation remains uncertain for those affected. The government has yet to provide further details on how the order will be enforced and what support will be available to those who are forced to leave the country.
Overall, the government’s decision to expel foreign workers from offshore gaming hubs has sparked a heated debate in the Philippines and raised concerns about the future of the online gambling industry in the country. Only time will tell how this controversial move will impact the lives of those affected and the wider economy.
