Philippines Centralizes Alien Employment Permit Processing

Key Point  

• The Philippines has centralized all Alien Employment Permit processing to the DOLE Central Office effective June 9, 2026, ceasing all regional office processing. 

Centralization of Alien Employment Permit  

The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Administrative Order No. 199 (June 8, 2026), mandating the full centralization of Alien Employment Permit (AEP) application processing to the DOLE Central Office. The order took effect on June 9, 2026. 

Centralization of AEP Processing 

Immediate Cessation at Regional Offices 

Effective June 9, 2026, DOLE Regional Offices must immediately cease:  

• Acceptance of new AEP applications 
• Processing and evaluation 
• Issuance of AEPs 

All new and renewal applications will now be processed exclusively by the DOLE Central Office through the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE). 

Transition of Pending Applications 

Applications submitted to regional offices before June 8, 2026 (close of business) will: 

• Be frozen at their current stage of evaluation 
• Be digitally transferred to the Central Office for immediate continuation 

Processing timelines will continue uninterrupted in line with the Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032), ensuring no penalties or delays for applicants. 

Labor Market Test and Publication 

Under the new framework: 

• The DOLE Central Office (BLE) will directly manage:  
• Mandatory local publication requirements 
• Labor Market Test procedures 

These processes will be administered via digital platforms and coordinated labor registries to maintain integrity in evaluating local labor market impact. 

Transfer of AEP Data and Inventory 

All regional offices must complete the full turnover of AEP records within five calendar days of the order’s effectivity. 

The turnover includes: 

• Pending and ongoing applications 
• Historical AEP records (issued, denied, cancelled) for the current year 
• Physical inventory, including:  
  • Printed but unclaimed AEP ID cards 
  • Blank ID card materials 
  • Official receipt booklets 

Don’t Miss an Update

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.