By Leslie Ann Aquino
The temporary suspension on the issuance of the Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) to foreign nationals in Boracay has been lifted.
Visitors gather along the beach during sunset in Boracay Island, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018.
(AP Photo/Joeal Calupitan)
The Department of Labor and Employment lifted the suspension following the re-opening of the island last October.
“In view of the lapse of the closure period and the re-opening of the Island of Boracay as a tourist destination, the Department orders the lifting of the temporary suspension on the issuance of the AEP,” DOLE said in Labor Advisory No. 01-2019.
"This Order shall take effect immediately," it further read.
An AEP is one of the requirements for the issuance of a work visa to foreigners, who intend to engage in gainful employment in the Philippines.
An AEP is issued once it is ascertained that a foreign worker will be performing a job that local workers are not capable of doing.
It was last June when Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III ordered the suspension of the AEP issuance to foreign nationals looking to work in Boracay.
At that time, DOLE said the order shall take effect until the temporary closure of the Boracay Island has been lifted.
President Duterte earlier ordered the closure of Boracay for six months to pave way for the rehabilitation and restoration of the island.