DoLE streamlines alien employment permit application process

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has simplified the application process for foreign nationals seeking Alien Employment Permits (AEP), cutting processing times and removing several redundant documentary requirements.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino signed Department Order No. 248-C, Series of 2026, to streamline AEP issuance, the agency announced recently. The order takes effect 15 days following its publication in newspapers of general circulation.

Under the new guidelines, applicants are no longer required to submit preliminary permits, licenses, or proof of application from other government entities during initial filing.

Exempted documents 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.

The Labor department stressed that regulatory compliance with those respective agencies remains mandatory.

It will also eliminate mandatory newspaper publication of Labor Market Test notices at the applicant’s expense. Instead, notices will be published directly on the official DoLE web portal.