DOLE cuts Alien Employment Permit (AEP) processing time from 15 to 10 days — paperwork and newspaper publication requirements simplified

DOLE cuts Alien Employment Permit (AEP) processing time from 15 to 10 days — paperwork and newspaper publication requirements simplified

📌 On Wednesday, October 28, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced Department Order No. 248-C (Series of 2026), signed by Secretary Francis Tolentino. It shortens the processing time for Alien Employment Permits (AEP) from 15 working days to 10 working days and simplifies the documents to be submitted and the newspaper publication requirement.

■ What's changing
· Processing time: From 15 working days to 10 working days. It can be extended once by 10 working days, for a maximum of 20 working days.
· Documents no longer required at the time of application: Construction license (PCAB), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) special temporary permit, Department of Justice (DOJ) permit for employing foreigners, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) permit for hiring foreigners. However, the laws of each agency must still be followed.
· The requirement for applicants to publish the labor market test notice in a newspaper at their own expense is removed; it will instead be posted on DOLE's online portal.
· A company's HR representative can file the application directly, and no fee is charged at filing.
· Effectivity: Takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· The new rules take effect 15 days after newspaper publication, so if you plan to apply for or renew an AEP, confirm the effectivity date with your company's HR representative.
· Philippine embassies and consulates abroad can also recommend AEP applications to DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) or the Department of Foreign Affairs through a diplomatic note.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/28), BusinessMirror (10/28)