The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered all its regional offices to cease all activities related to the Alien Employment Permits (AEPs), effective immediately. Based on Administrative Order 199-2026, DOLE said regional offices must no longer accept or process applications for AEPs.
Centralization of AEP Processing
DOLE stated, "DOLE regional offices shall immediately cease accepting, processing, evaluating, and issuing both new and renewal AEP applications, with all transactions to be handled exclusively by the Central Office." Any AEP application received by regional offices on or before the close of business on June 8, 2026, that remains pending shall be prepared for digital transfer to the DOLE Central Office. The central office in Intramuros, Manila, will assume full responsibility for evaluating, processing, and disposing of pending applications.
Background of Alien Employment Permit
The AEP is a permit issued to non-resident aliens or foreign nationals seeking admission to the Philippines for employment. It is required under the Labor Code of the Philippines, which mandates that any alien wishing to work in the country must obtain an employment permit from DOLE.
Objective of the Directive
DOLE said the move aims to strengthen its oversight and ensure uniform implementation of labor regulations concerning foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines. "The directive is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen administrative oversight, enhance regulatory compliance, and ensure greater consistency in implementing policies governing the employment of foreign nationals," DOLE added.
