The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said foreign nationals may apply for a working visa while still out of the country.
Presently, the BI issues the document when the expatriate is already in the country.
The BI came out with the new policy based on the decision of the inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow Philippine-based companies to bring in foreign workers whose expertise are needed in various projects including those financed by the government.
However, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that foreigners who were previously issued a working visa (9-g) are still required to get an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Once approved, the visa will be sent to the country's consulate office abroad where the applicant is based.
Morente said the visa recipient must travel to the Philippines within three months upon getting the papers.