DOLE allows foreign workers to apply for permits thru PH-based employers
Foreign nationals who want to work in the country may now apply for the necessary permit or certificate for long-term employment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued last week an advisory allowing essential foreign workers to apply for their Alien Employment Permit (AEP) or Certificate of Exemption/Exclusion (COE) through their Philippine-based employers at DOLE regional offices before entering the country.
"Under the new guidelines, issuance of the work visa may be done at Philippine Consulate General at the foreign national’s place of origin and will no longer require an entry stamp from the Department of Foreign Affairs," Bello explained.
However, Bello noted that the advisory only covers foreign nationals intending to work in the Philippines for over six months or long-term employment.
The labor chief said all documentary submissions for the AEP and COE shall still be based on earlier released guidelines, except for the copy of the valid visa which shall be submitted within 30 working days upon arrival and completion of the 14-day quarantine protocol.
The lead time for the issuance of the AEP is five working days upon completion of labor market test or publication in a newspaper of general circulation while three days after receipt of the application for COE, Bello added.
Once granted, the Philippine-based employer may proceed with the application of an appropriate work visa with the Bureau of Immigration or other visa-issuing agencies, according to the latest advisory.