On 25 September 2019, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines issued Advisory No. 19-08 requiring foreign nationals who are applying for Alien Employment Permits (AEP) to submit applications and pick up their AEP cards in person. The new rule entered into force on 1 October 2019.
The AEP is an important legal document required for working visa applications. The new rule applies to all first-time foreign national applicants as well as those renewing their AEP cards. Applications filed by authorized agents on behalf of individuals, such as by consultancy and law firms, are no longer accepted as of 1 October 2019. However, foreign employees can still be accompanied by their agent or employer’s representative when filing or claiming the AEP.
Next steps
Multinational employers should ensure their expatriate employees comply with the new appearance requirement. In addition, companies should monitor the passage of the implementation regulations of the new rule and be prepared for potential delays in the issuance of AEP cards and working visas.