Full Centralization of AEP Processing in the Philippines
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), under the leadership of Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, has issued a directive pursuant to Administrative Order No. 199, Series of 2026 ordering the full centralization of all Alien Employment Permit (AEP) processing throughout the Philippines. The directive takes effect on June 9, 2026.
Key Changes Under AO N0.199 Series of 2026:
- Exclusive jurisdiction over AEP processing transferred to the DOLE Central Office. The DOLE Central Office now assumes sole authority over the processing, evaluation, and issuance of all new and renewal AEP applications. All DOLE Regional Offices have been directed to cease accepting or issuing such permits, and all transactions must henceforth be coursed exclusively through the Central Office.
- Pending applications shall be transferred to the Central Office. Applications submitted to any Regional Office on or before June 8, 2026 that remain pending shall be digitally transferred to the DOLE Central Office within five (5) calendar days from the effectivity of the Administrative Order, at which point the Central Office shall assume full responsibility for their evaluation and disposition.
Note: Applicants are not required to refile, as the processing period shall continue from the point of transfer in accordance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, ensuring no undue delay or penalty is incurred.
- Labor Market Test procedures to be administered through a dedicated digital platform. The Bureau of Local Employment shall directly administer the required local publication and Labor Market Test procedures through a localized digital platform and coordinated labor registries, ensuring consistency and integrity in the domestic labor market vetting process.
- Transfer of records subject to strict data privacy protocols. The transfer of all application records and personal data shall be conducted in strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, utilizing end-to-end encryption and verified chain-of-custody documentation to safeguard the personal information of all foreign national applicants.
How Can We Help
Managing the shift to centralized AEP processing can be complex, particularly for employers with pending or upcoming applications. We help foreign nationals and their employers remain fully compliant with Administrative Order No. 199, Series of 2026:
- Assess how Administrative Order No. 199, Series of 2026 applies to your specific AEP obligations
- Prepare and file new and renewal AEP applications directly with the DOLE Central Office
- Monitor the transfer of pending applications and follow up on processing status with the Central Office
- Coordinate local publication and Labor Market Test procedures through the Bureau of Local Employment’s digital platform
- Advise on data privacy compliance during the transfer of application records and personal information
