News Release
Department of Labor and Employment
December 29, 2022
Close to 500 work permits issued to foreign nationals in Davao
To protect the welfare of Filipino workers as well as to address the possible cases of foreign nationals illegally working in Davao Region, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI strictly enforced its Employment Regulatory Services, especially on the issuance of Alien Employment Permit (AEP).
As of December 20, 2022, DOLE XI has issued 493 AEPs to foreign nationals intending to work with a Philippines-based employer for more than six months, according to Article 40 of the Labor Code, as amended.
Of the total, 85.2%, or 420 foreign nationals were based in Davao City. The top five (5) nationalities were Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, and Pakistani.
Among the leading job positions were operations manager, marketing officer, and electrical specialist.
Since 2018, DOLE Davao Region reported that there is a significant increase of approximately 44 percent in the number of foreign nationals granted with AEPs.
Through a Regional Advisory issued on November 25, 2022, DOLE XI Foreign National Labor Inspectors (FNLIs) conducted verification visits to 59 establishments as of December 20, 2022, that intended to employ foreign nationals.
The visit ascertained the veracity of the information and documents submitted concerning the AEP application, in which those identified establishments were found compliant with the AEP requirements as stated in D.O. 221-2021.
In cases of non-compliance, establishments are expected to comply with the lacking requirements and carry out necessary actions to proceed with the application for permits.
DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy said that while DOLE welcomes foreign nationals to have profitable careers in the country, the regional office is implementing stricter rules and regulations for the issuance of AEP to continuously ensure that local jobs are protected and to afford Filipinos of gainful employment with respect to their competencies, abilities, and willingness to perform services.
The application for AEP is filed at the DOLE Regional Office concerned or having jurisdiction over the intended place of work within 10 working days from the date of signing of the contract or before the start of employment.
Under Article 40 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, any alien seeking admission to the Philippines for employment purposes and any domestic or foreign employer who desires to engage an alien for employment in the Philippines shall obtain an employment permit from the Department of Labor and Employment.
AEP is issued to a non-resident alien or foreign national seeking admission to the Philippines for employment purposes after a determination of the non-availability of a Filipino citizen who is competent, able, and willing at the time of application to perform the services for which the alien is desired. ###
