Employers seeking Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) for foreign nationals must now file all applications directly with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office following the implementation of Administrative Order No. 199, Series of 2026, and Department Order No. 248-B, Series of 2026. Effective 9 June 2026, DOLE Regional Offices no longer accept or process applications for new or renewal AEPs, with all functions transferred to the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE).
According to DOLE, the move aims to strengthen regulatory oversight, ensure the uniform implementation of AEP regulations, and establish a single point of accountability in the processing of permits for foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines. The Department also intends to streamline procedures through digitalized filing, centralized publication and labor market testing, and standardized processing nationwide.
The centralization does not alter the substantive requirements for obtaining an AEP. Documentary requirements, applicable fees, and the standard 15-working-day processing period remain unchanged. Applications that were pending before DOLE Regional Offices as of 8 June 2026 were transferred to the Central Office for continued processing without requiring applicants to refile.
For employers, HR practitioners, and immigration counsel, the reform primarily changes where AEP applications are filed rather than how eligibility is determined. Companies employing foreign nationals should ensure that future AEP applications, renewals, exemptions, and related submissions are directed to the BLE and update their internal compliance procedures to reflect the new centralized process.
This guide provides a general overview of the above transactions at the time of writing only and is not intended to be a comprehensive legal advice. This should also not be taken as an opinion on the topic. For more details and information, you may coordinate with any GVES Law Partner regarding the matter.
Atty. Ludanielle N. Legarde is a Partner at GVES Law.