More than 10,000 POGO workers have already filed for visa downgrading, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday.

In a press statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that he expects this number to increase as the deadline approaches.

Visa downgrading allows foreign nationals to revert their status from a work visa to a temporary visitor visa, thereby enabling them to remain legally in the Philippines for 59 days while winding down their affairs.

The 59-day period from the deadline aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has ordered foreign POGO workers to leave the country by the end of the year.

“We are expediting the downgrading process to comply with the President’s directive. We encourage POGO workers to file as early as possible to avoid complications,” said Viado.

Foreign POGO workers have until October 15 to voluntarily downgrade their visas.

The BI said that there will be no extensions for filing, and those who will file after the said deadline will be ordered to leave the country.