BI tightens rules on foreigner work permits

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday it is tightening its rules in issuing special work permits (SWP) and provisional work permits (PWP) to foreigners who intend to work in the Philippines.

Aside from requiring additional documents for aspiring workers, the BI will also bar the issuance of work permits to foreigners who will be employed as construction workers, cashiers, janitors, carpenters, and other blue-collar jobs.

Professionals who work in fields regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission will also not be allowed without the commission's approval, the BI said in a statement.

“This is to ensure that these work permits are issued only to aliens whose jobs could not be performed by Filipinos,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente was quoted in the release as saying.

He also said the new rules were set in place to address the reported increase of foreigners working in the country.

The BI requires from work permit applicants their validity of stay as tourists, address, existence, nature of business, and financial viability of petitioning company, as well as licenses from the government and the Securities Exchange Commission.

The BI said only authorized officers at the main office and alien control officers in field offices may approve or disapprove applicants for SWPs and PWPs.

“These new rules are meant to protect the interest of local workers, as we have observed that in the past, foreigners may abuse their permits and take away jobs from our kababayans,” Morente said. —Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News