By The Philippines Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reduced Alien Employment Permit (AEP) processing time from 15 days to 10 days and removed several documentary requirements, according to the Daily Tribune. The simplified procedures took effect Thursday under Department Order 248-C, Series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino.
DOLE announced the changes Friday, 13 November 2026. Legit.ng reported that the order was signed on October 28, 2026, and takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. The two outlets describe different effective-date mechanisms, so employers should confirm the operative date with DOLE or their processing partner.
What changed in the AEP process
The order removes several documents that employers previously had to submit with AEP applications. These include licenses from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, special temporary permits from the Professional Regulation Commission, authority to employ foreign nationals from the Department of Justice, and authorization from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
DOLE stressed that applicants must still comply with the underlying laws and regulations enforced by those agencies. The change affects only the AEP filing stage, not the separate compliance obligations themselves.
The labor market test notice requirement also changed. Applicants no longer pay for newspaper publication. Notices will instead be published through DOLE’s official online portal or filed with the University of the Philippines Law Centre, according to Legit.ng.
What the new timeline means for hiring teams
The headline change is the reduction from 15 to 10 working days. A one-time 10-day extension is allowed where additional processing is needed, bringing the maximum possible timeline to 20 working days. Legit.ng reported this extension provision; the Daily Tribune account did not mention it.
For HR teams planning start dates, the practical range is now 10 to 20 working days for the AEP stage alone. That does not include time for other permits, visa processing, or the Philippine history and culture orientation that foreign nationals applying for a work permit may be required to attend.
Employers may process AEP applications through their human resources officers or authorized personnel without paying a fee upon submission. Payment slips are issued only once an application passes technical evaluation and receives approval. This shifts the cash-flow timing for employers and removes an upfront cost barrier.
Consular endorsement and overseas applicants
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. This is a meaningful change for employers hiring foreign nationals who are still outside the Philippines at the time of filing.
Previously, the process often required in-country filing steps or intermediary handling. The direct endorsement route is intended to make the process more accessible to applicants outside the country, according to Legit.ng. Employers with overseas candidates should confirm with the relevant embassy or consulate whether this route is operational for their specific case.
Benefits and orientation requirements
Foreign nationals already lawfully employed in the country will be entitled to medical care benefits at government hospitals. The order does not specify how this entitlement is administered or whether employers must register employees for access. HR teams should confirm the mechanics with DOLE or the relevant government hospital network before relying on this benefit.
Foreign nationals applying for a work permit may be required to attend a Philippine history and culture orientation. The order does not state whether this applies to all applicants or only certain categories, nor whether it is a condition of approval or a post-approval requirement. Employers should build time for this into onboarding plans where it applies.
Practical steps for employers
The changes reduce administrative friction but do not eliminate the need for careful sequencing. Employers should still verify that the foreign national holds any required permits from the Professional Regulation Commission, Department of Justice, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, even though those documents are no longer submitted with the AEP application.
The order is framed as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for efficient public service and aligns with the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, according to Legit.ng. Employers should treat the 10-day processing time as a target rather than a guarantee, given the one-time extension provision and the possibility of requests for additional information.
| Stage | Timeline or condition |
|---|---|
| Standard AEP processing | 10 working days |
| One-time extension | 10 additional working days |
| Maximum possible timeline | 20 working days |
| Fee at submission | None |
| Payment timing | After technical evaluation and approval |
The removal of upfront fees and newspaper publication costs lowers the direct cost of filing. Employers should still budget for any fees charged by other agencies whose permits remain mandatory, and for any costs associated with the history and culture orientation where applicable.
Sources: Daily Tribune, Legit.ng
Photo: Taiwan Individual Visit Permit on Mainland Compatriot Travel Document by 公安部出入境管理局, Public domain
