On June 8, 2026, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Administrative Order No. 199, directing the immediate transfer of all Alien Employment Permit (AEP) processing from DOLE Regional Offices to the DOLE Central Office, specifically under the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE). This change took effect on June 9, 2026. All Regional Offices have ceased accepting, evaluating, and issuing AEP applications with immediate effect. All AEP applications (new and renewal files) must now be directed to the DOLE Central Office. Regional Offices will no longer accept or process any AEP-related submissions.
Applications that were received by Regional Offices before the close of business on June 8, 2026, but remain un-issued will be digitally routed to the Central Office for continued processing. The original processing timeline under Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act) will continue to run, so no processing delay or penalty should be incurred by applicants as a result of the transfer.
The BLE will directly administer the mandatory local publication and Labor Market Test requirements through a centralised digital platform.
All AEP records, documents, and related inventories held by Regional Offices must be transferred to the Central Office within five calendar days from June 8, 2026, in compliance with data privacy requirements.
DOLE Regional Office IV-A (CALABARZON) has separately confirmed cessation of AEP processing and its participation in the records turnover process. Processing delays for pending applications are expected during the transition period, as the BLE will only assume processing responsibility after the physical and digital turnover is complete.
This centralization represents a significant structural change to AEP processing in the Philippines and has taken effect immediately, leaving limited time for employers to adjust. Delays in processing pending applications are likely in the short term as the transition is completed. We recommend that businesses with urgent or time-sensitive AEP applications monitor progress closely.
This alert is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact Newland Chase directly for case-specific guidance.
