In brief
On 27 October 2026, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Department Order No. 248-C, series of 2026, "Amending Department Order No. 248-B, series of 2026, to Simplify the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) Process" ("DO 248-C"), which further streamlines the requirements and procedures for the issuance of Alien Employment Permits (AEP).
DO 248-C shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. We are coordinating with the DOLE for further details on the publication and implementation of DO 248-C.
Key amendments/takeways under DOLE Department Order No. 248-C, series of 2026
Other-agency prerequisites dispensed with
The Philippine Construction Accreditation Board License, Professional Regulation Commission Special Temporary Permit, Department of Justice Authority to Employ Alien, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Authority to Hire Foreign National, or proof of application for any of them, are no longer required for the filing and evaluation of AEP applications.
Publication notice/Labor Market Test
Publication of the vacant position in a newspaper of general circulation at the applicant's expense is discontinued. The notice for the Labor Market Test shall instead be published in the Official Portal/Public Repository of the DOLE or, alternatively, filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center.
Processing time
The processing period for AEP applications is reduced from fifteen (15) to ten (10) working days, extendible once by ten (10) working days.
Agents and authorized representatives
The accreditation of agents and appointment of authorized representatives under Department Order No. 221-A are dispensed with. Employers shall process AEP applications through their own human resource officers, personnel, or owners, with the option of engaging legal counsel, and shall be directly accountable for the documents submitted.
Payment workflow
The Order of Payment Slip shall be issued only upon approval of the application after technical evaluation. No fee shall be collected upon submission of the application.
Embassy-endorsed applications
The embassy or consulate of the foreign national's State may endorse an AEP application, attesting to the foreign national's identity and lack of derogatory record, to streamline evaluation.
Orientation on Philippine history and cultural diversity
Foreign national applicants may be required to undergo an orientation on Philippine history and cultural diversity.
Healthcare and benefits
Lawfully employed foreign nationals may be afforded medical care benefits in government hospitals on terms no less favorable than those for Filipino workers.
Authority of the DOLE Secretary to grant and revoke AEPs
The DOLE Secretary may grant an AEP in meritorious cases, such as in cases of special economic or international agreements, and may revoke an AEP on grounds of national security, among others.
Effectivity
DO 248-C shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. We are coordinating with the DOLE for further details on the publication and implementation of DO 248-C.