To: All Valued MEPZCEM Members:
We are pleased to share important updates regarding the streamlining of the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) process following the issuance of Department Order No. 248-C, Series of 2026 by DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on October 27, 2026.
This order amends Department Order No. 248-B to further simplify frontline services in alignment with Republic Act No. 9485 and Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018).
Key Highlights of Department Order No. 248-C
- Removal of Other-Agency Prerequisites: Other-agency requirements—specifically the Philippine Construction Accreditation Board License, Professional Regulation Commission Special Temporary Permit, Department of Justice Authority to Employ Alien, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Authority to Hire Foreign National, or proof of application for them—are no longer required for the filing and evaluation of AEP applications. (Note: Applicants remain responsible for complying with the respective laws of those agencies). DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
- Discontinuation of Broadsheet Publication: Publication in a broadsheet at the applicant’s expense is discontinued. Notice for the Labor Market Test will instead be published in the DOLE Official Portal / Public Repository or filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center. DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
- Reduced Processing Time: The standard processing period has been reduced from fifteen (15) to ten (10) working days, extendible once by ten (10) working days, well within the twenty (20) working-day maximum mandated under RA 11032. DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
- Direct Processing by Employers: The accreditation of agents and appointment of authorized representatives under Department Order No. 221-A are dispensed with. Employers must now process applications directly through their own human resource officers, personnel, or owners (with the option of legal counsel) and are directly accountable for all submitted documents. DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
- Streamlined Payment Workflow: No fees will be collected upon submission. The Order of Payment Slip will be issued only upon approval of the application following technical evaluation. DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
- Embassy-Endorsed Applications: The embassy or consulate of the foreign national’s home country may endorse an AEP application via an official note from its head or authorized officer (sent directly to the Bureau of Local Employment or through the Department of Foreign Affairs) to attest to the foreign national’s identity and lack of derogatory record. DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
- Orientation and Healthcare Benefits: Foreign national applicants may be required to undergo an orientation on Philippine history and cultural diversity. Furthermore, lawfully employed foreign nationals may be afforded medical care benefits in government hospitals, including the Philippine General Hospital, on terms no less favorable than those for Filipino workers, consistent with ILO Convention Nos. 97 and 143. DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
- Authority of the Secretary: The Secretary of Labor and Employment retains the authority to grant AEPs in meritorious cases (such as special economic or international agreements) and to revoke AEPs on grounds of national security, among others. DO 248-c AEP Process.pdf
This Department Order takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Should you have any questions or require further clarification on these updated procedures, please feel free to reach out to the chamber.
MEPZCEM CHAMBER, INC.