DoLE cuts processing time for foreign workers’ permits

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has shortened the processing time for Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications from 15 to 10 working days and removed several documentary requirements.

The streamlined process took effect Thursday, 12 November, following the publication of Department Order 248-C, Series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, DoLE announced Friday.

Under the new rules, applicants no longer need to submit certain permits, licenses and proof of applications from other government agencies when filing for an AEP.

These include 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.

However, compliance with the laws and regulations administered by these agencies remains mandatory.

DoLE also removed the requirement for applicants to pay for the publication of Labor Market Test notices in broadsheet newspapers. These notices will instead be published through the department’s official portal.

Employers may process applications through their own human resources officers or other authorized personnel. No fees will be collected upon submission; payment will be required only after approval following technical evaluation.

The changes follow a 2025 revision of AEP rules that extended the processing period from five to 15 working days to allow more thorough evaluation of applicants’ credentials, work experience and qualifications, as well as document verification and permit issuance.

DoLE said incomplete or inconsistent applications could be returned or placed on hold, causing further delays. The department issued 192,573 AEPs to foreign nationals from 2023 to 2025.