The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has amended its foreign worker permit guidelines to simplify processes and attract more foreign investments.
Under Department Order No. 248, Series of 2025, DOLE streamlines procedures for Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) by reducing requirements and expediting processing times.
These revisions align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2023, which aims to enhance business efficiency and boost foreign direct investments (FDIs).
Key changes include the simplification of the labor market test, now requiring only a single job posting in a widely circulated newspaper and on PhilJobNet, the government’s official job-matching platform, ensuring greater transparency.
Additionally, DOLE introduces the Understudy Training Program (UTP) and Skills Development Program (SDP) to equip Filipino workers with the skills to eventually fill positions held by foreign nationals.
The Economic Needs Test (ENT) remains in place to ensure foreign workers are hired only when no qualified Filipino candidates are available.
DOLE also plans public consultations to further refine these policies and ensure alignment with national development goals.
In the past three years, DOLE issued 192,573 AEPs to foreign nationals, underscoring the need for reforms to balance foreign worker entry and safeguard local employment.