Simplified Alien Employment Permit Application Process in the Philippines

Strategic Insights -

The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has introduced a simplified application process for the alien employment permit (AEP) to encourage foreign workers to invest and create jobs in the country. The new department order reduces the processing time from five days to one and simplifies the required documents. This move is expected to benefit 48,980 foreign nationals currently holding administrative and managerial positions in the Philippines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued Department Order No. 75-06 to simplify the alien employment permit (AEP) application process.
  • The simplified application process requires foreign workers to submit only a duly accomplished application form, xerox copy of passport, contract of employment, and xerox of mayor's permit to operate business.
  • The processing period has been reduced from five days to one day.
  • Foreign workers must pay P8,000 for a one-year AEP.
  • Foreign nationals working without an AEP or with an expired AEP will be fined P10,000 (US$188) for every year or a fraction thereof.
  • The move will benefit 48,980 foreigners holding administrative and managerial positions.
  • Professionals and technicians account for a significant proportion of foreign workers, with 8,322 and 9,543 individuals, respectively.
  • The five largest groups of foreign workers in the Philippines are Japanese (20,647), Koreans (11,410), Chinese (6,181), Americans (4,965), and Taiwanese (3,048).

Statistics:

  • 48,980 foreign nationals will benefit from the simplified AEP application process.
  • The five biggest groups of foreign workers in the Philippines are:

+ Japanese: 20,647

+ Koreans: 11,410

+ Chinese: 6,181

+ Americans: 4,965

+ Taiwanese: 3,048

  • The simplified AEP application process will take effect on July 1.
  • The processing fee for a one-year AEP is P8,000.
  • Foreign nationals working without an AEP or with an expired AEP will be fined P10,000 (US$188) for every year or a fraction thereof.

Sources:

  • Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
  • Philippine News Agency (PNA)
  • Department Order No. 75-06