The Philippine government announced that from November 2025, it will reopen the e-visa application for Chinese citizens, stating that it aims to promote the recovery of the tourism industry. However, market indications suggest that this policy may have a significant impact on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO). Although the number of legal POGOs has been reduced from about 60 to 7, it is estimated that there are still more than 9,000 employees stranded in the Philippines. Before and after the opening of the e-visa, office apartment rents in areas such as Clark and Pampanga have risen by nearly 15%, and many landlords have received long-term rental inquiries, with dozens of newly registered internet technology companies recruiting Chinese customer service and technical personnel. Analysts believe that against the backdrop of weak tourism, foreign capital withdrawal, and expanding fiscal deficits, the e-visa could become an economic "release valve," attracting capital and labor inflows.
Policy Background and Official Statements
The Philippine government announced that it will reopen e-visa applications for Chinese citizens starting November 2025. The official statement said that the policy aims to attract tourists and promote the recovery of the tourism industry, without mentioning its connection with other industries.
The announcement comes at a time of increased friction in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, and growing economic pressure within the Philippines, leading to various interpretations of the policy's motives.
Market Reaction and Rental Dynamics
Before the announcement of the e-visa policy, the Philippine real estate market had already shown signs of activity. Since September 2025, office-type apartment rents around the Clark Freeport Zone have risen by nearly 15%, and the rental rates of mid-to-high-end apartments in Makati and Pasay have reached new highs.
Several landlords have reported receiving rental inquiries for periods of six months to a year, with tenants mostly being Chinese speakers, indicating that the rental purpose is not short-term tourism.
Current Status and Changes in the POGO Industry
Official data from the Philippines shows that the number of legal POGOs has been reduced from about 60 to only 7, but it is estimated that more than 9,000 employees are still stranded in the country. In the past two months, dozens of "internet technology companies" have been newly registered in the Clark, Pampanga, and Pasay areas.
These companies have almost no public business or product output but are focused on recruiting "Chinese customer service," "payment advisors," and "technical backend personnel," leading to speculation about the nature of their business.
Economic Background and Policy Motives
In 2025, the Philippines faces pressures such as weak tourism, withdrawal of foreign capital, high real estate vacancy rates (expected to be 25-26%), and expanding fiscal deficits. The rental yield of apartments in Manila is about 5.57%, putting overall economic pressure.
Analysts believe that the government might use the e-visa policy to introduce external funds and manpower to alleviate economic pressure, acting as a "release valve" to stimulate liquidity.
Industry Views and Market Interpretations
Some industry insiders believe that the e-visa actually serves the recovery of the POGO industry, providing a "human pass." The e-visa review is lax and efficient, nominally for tourism and business, but it is easily converted for use by park workers.
Informed sources say, "POGO hasn't disappeared, just changed its shell. The opening of the e-visa can bring personnel in batches," allowing the gray industry to potentially regain vitality.
Rental Market and Demand Changes
Real estate agents reveal that recent rental demand mainly comes from the Chinese-speaking group, with contract periods mostly for six months to a year, clearly different from short-term tourism characteristics. Rental market movements highly coincide with the timing of the e-visa restoration.
Market reactions precede the policy announcement, indicating that some investors might have obtained information in advance and positioned themselves based on policy expectations.
Government Stance and Regulatory Environment
After the Marcos administration took office, it prominently reorganized the POGO industry, closing many parks. However, it currently faces tight finances, high inflation, and declining confidence from foreign investors, which may lead to subtle changes in policy stance.
The e-visa policy might create a "policy gap" between regulation and enforcement, tacitly allowing the POGO industry to exist and develop in new forms.
Regional Development and Investment Trends
Areas like Clark and Pampanga, originally concentrated with POGOs, show clear signs of recovery, with increasing demand for office space and accommodation. Newly registered companies are focused on technology and services, but their business models are similar to traditional POGOs.
Regional economic development needs may interact with policy adjustments, driving specific industry recovery and investment inflows.
Risk Factors and Regulatory Challenges
The e-visa policy may pose regulatory challenges, with distinguishing between genuine tourism/business and gray industries being key. There exists a regulatory gray area between short-term visas and long-term residency purposes.
The government needs to balance economic stimulation with regulatory responsibilities to prevent the excessive expansion of gray industries causing social issues.
Industry Impact and Market Expectations
The tourism industry may benefit from the e-visa policy, but market expectations mainly focus on the impact on POGO and related industries. Real estate rentals, office demands, and Chinese service markets may welcome a revival.
The effectiveness of the policy depends on actual implementation and market response, with inherent uncertainties.
International Relations and Policy Background
The policy is introduced during a complex stage of Philippines-China relations, contrasting South China Sea frictions with visa facilitation. Economic considerations may play a more significant role in foreign policy, reflecting a pragmatic diplomatic orientation.
Changes in the international environment may affect the effectiveness and long-term stability of the policy, requiring ongoing attention.
Future Outlook and Development Trends
The e-visa policy may become a tool for economic adjustment in the Philippines, adjusting entry thresholds as needed. The POGO industry may continue to exist in new technological and service forms, adapting to regulatory requirements.
Long-term development depends on multiple factors such as the global economic environment, regional political relations, and domestic governance capabilities.
