Philippines Announces Major Change To Work Permit Processing Time For Foreigners

• The Philippines' Department of Labor and Employment signed a new order cutting the Alien Employment Permit processing time from 15 to 10 working days
• Department Order No. 248-C, Series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, also reduced the number of documentary requirements for foreign applicants
• The order introduced several other changes to the work permit application process, affecting both employers and foreign nationals seeking to work in the Philippines

The Philippines has announced a major overhaul of its work permit system for foreigners, with the country's Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) cutting the time it takes to process an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from 15 to just 10 working days.

The changes were introduced under Department Order No. 248-C, Series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on October 28, 2026.

The order also allows for a one-time 10-day extension in cases where additional processing is needed, bringing the maximum possible timeline to 20 working days.

What Changed Under the New DOLE Order

Beyond the shorter processing window, the order strips away several documentary requirements that previously added complexity to the application.

Foreign nationals and their employers no longer need to submit permits and licences from certain government agencies at the point of application, including the Philippine Construction Accreditation Board Licence, the Professional Regulation Commission Special Temporary Permit, the Department of Justice Authority to Employ Alien, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Authority to Hire Foreign National.

Compliance with those agencies' laws, however, remains mandatory. The order also ends the requirement for broadsheet newspaper publication at the applicant's expense.

Labor Market Test notices may now be published through the DOLE Official Portal or Public Repository, or filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center.

Employers are permitted to handle applications directly through their own HR officers or personnel. Importantly, no fees are charged at the point of submission. Payment slips are only issued once an application passes technical evaluation and receives approval.

Other Key Details for Foreign Workers

Philippine embassies and consulates abroad may now endorse AEP applications directly to the Bureau of Local Employment or the Department of Foreign Affairs through official notes, making the process more accessible to applicants outside the country.

Foreign nationals applying for a work permit may also be required to attend a Philippine history and culture orientation.

Those who are already lawfully employed in the country will be entitled to medical care benefits at government hospitals.

The order takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. DOLE framed the directive as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s push for efficient public service, and in line with the country's Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

Philippines publishes guidance on reacquiring citizenship

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Philippine law under RA 9225 does not require all dual nationals to file for citizenship reacquisition.

Citizens who marry foreigners and those born abroad to Filipino parents may fall outside the reacquisition requirement.