DOLE revises guidelines for AEP issuance

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has amended the guidelines for the issuance of alien employment permits (AEPs) to foreign workers employed in the Philippines.

Under Department Order No. 248, the agency prescribed new rules and regulations for the AEP, including the simplification and integration of the labor market test in one newspaper publication of general circulation.

PhilJobNet, the government’s official job matching portal, was also tapped to post the rules, making the process more efficient and transparent for both employers and jobseekers.

“The revised AEP guidelines mark a significant step toward rationalizing requirements and streamlining the processing of employment permits for foreign nationals aimed at balancing investment promotion, local labor protection, and ensure the transfer of skills to Filipino workers,” the DOLE said in a statement.

An AEP is a work permit issued to foreigners seeking employment in the Philippines. Data shared to reporters showed the DOLE issued AEPs to a total of 192,573 foreign nationals in the last three years.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma signed the guidelines on Monday, January 20.

Meanwhile, the DOLE said the new rules will compel employers who are hiring foreign workers to ensure skills transfer and knowledge-sharing between the foreign national and Filipino counterparts though the so-called Understudy Training Program and Skills Development Program.

Also introduced is the Economic Needs Test (ENT), which would assess the necessity of hiring foreign nationals based on the availability of qualified Filipino workers.

“The guidelines aim to adopt unified and simplified requirements and procedures that will reduce red tape and expedite transactions with the government. This is to ensure that foreign workers contribute to priority sectors, align with national development goals, and respect the rights of Filipino workers,” the DOLE added. — Sundy Locus/RSJ, GMA Integrated News