The following changes in the document requirements will take effect
immediately for Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Visas:

  • The Understudy Training Program (UTP) or Skills Development Program (SDP)
    submission is no longer a pre-requisite to obtain a PEZA visa. However, this may
    still be requested by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
    authorities.
  • Downgrading of PEZA Visa will normally require foreign employees to leave
    the country in order to apply for a new visa in the Philippines. An exemption on the
    Order to Leave (OTL) requirement is available for foreign employees who need to
    undergo downgrading as a result of changing their position, title and job position
    while they remain working for the same employer. Downgrading applications for such
    cases will now be required to provide an original and duly accomplished employment
    contract and notarized undertaking stating that they will be immediately applying
    for a PEZA visa.
  • PEZA visa applications filed less than 30 days to visa expiry will no
    longer require a letter to the Director General.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or
submit an inquiry here should you have any
specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and
is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is
important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and
unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any
case- or company-specific assessments.