Effective Date & Summary
On 27 October 2026, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released a new Department Order to make Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications faster and less burdensome. The changes take effect on 11 November 2026.
Key Information to Note
In practice, sponsoring employers can expect a lighter filing package, no newspaper advertisement for the Labor Market Test, no payment until the permit is approved, and a shorter processing window.
Labor Market Test
The requirement to advertise the Labor Market Test in a newspaper has been removed. The advertisement will now have to be posted on the DOLE official portal or public repository, or lodged with the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center. DOLE has yet to provide clarification on the submission process.
Processing Time
DOLE now has 10 working days to process an application instead of 15 working days. This can be extended once by another 10 working days, so the total cannot go beyond 20 working days, the ceiling set by the current regulations.
Payment Process
Payment will no longer be required on submission. DOLE will issue the Order of Payment Slip only after technical evaluation is complete and the application is approved.
Newland Chase Insights
Employers should hold off on tightening internal timelines until DOLE clarifies when the 10 working-day period begins, and should wait for DOLE’s guidance before settling how the Labor Market Test notice will be posted. We will closely monitor further guidance from DOLE on these changes and will update this alert as required.
Disclaimer
This news alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific guidance or further information, please contact Newland Chase directly.
