The Department of Labor and Employment said Wednesday that it has already issued around 8,000 alien employment permits to foreign workers employed in licensed internet gaming operators in the country for this year, according to Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma. Laguesma made the remark as he clarified that the DOLE only stopped issuing AEP to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators firms following a Senate investigation into their alleged involvement in illegal activities in 2023.
In fact, itong nakaraang January to April, may na-issuehan na at least 8,000, pero ito ay internet gaming license permits, hindi ito POGO,” he said.The DOLE-NCR earlier announced it would stop issuing AEPs to foreign workers employed in POGO hubs, adding it would only accept applications from employees for internet gaming licenses. “Tuloy pa rin ang pagbibigay subalit mas mahigpit ang requirements.