Employment in the Philippines for Foreign Nationals

http://www.dole.gov.ph

What is an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)?

An Alien Employment Permit is a document issued by the Secretary of Labor and Employment through the DOLE - Regional Director, who has jurisdiction over the intended place of work of the foreign national, authorizing the foreign national to work in the Philippines.

Who are the foreign nationals required to apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)?

1. Foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines whether they are non-residents or refugees.
2. Foreign professionals who are allowed to practice their profession in the Philippines under reciprocity and other international agreements and in consultancy services pursuant to Section 7(j) of the PRC Modernization Act of 2000.
3. Holders of Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV), Special Retirees Resident Visa (SRRV), Treaty Traders Visa (9d) or Special Non-Immigrant Visa (47(a)2) for as long as they occupy any executive, advisory, supervisory, or technical position in any establishment.

Who are exempted from securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)?

1. Members of the diplomatic services and foreign government officials accredited by the Philippine government;
2. Officers and staff of international organizations of which the Philippine government is a cooperating member, and their legitimate spouses desiring to work in the Philippines;
3. Foreign nationals elected as members of the Governing Board who do not occupy any other position, but have only voting rights in the corporation;
4. All foreign nationals granted exemption by special laws and all other laws that may be promulgated by the Congress;
5. Owners and representatives of foreign principals, whose companies are accredited by the Philippine Overseas Administration (POEA), who come to the Philippines for a limited period solely for the purpose of interviewing Filipino applicants for employment abroad (DO 26-02);
6. Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines to teach, present and/or conduct research studies in universities and colleges as visiting, exchange or adjunct professors under formal agreements between the universities or colleges in the Philippines and foreign universities or colleges; or between the Philippine government and foreign government; provided that the exemption is on a reciprocal basis (DO 41-03); and
7. Resident foreign nationals employed or seeking employment in the Philippines (DO 41-03).

What is the period of validity of an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)?

The AEP shall be valid for one (1) year or co-terminus with the duration of employment, consultancy services or other modes of employment or term of office. Said AEP is valid for the position/s and company for which it was issued.

In case of assignment in the company's subsidiaries, branch offices and joint ventures and those assigned in the headquarters with oversight function in any of the branch offices, operation or projects in the country, one (1) AEP shall be required and valid for all the said assignments irrespective of their place/s (DO 19-02).

[Source: www.dole.gov.ph]