Philippines | Alien Employment Permit online filing launches Sept. 3; Interim PEZA visa processing guidelines

The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced new requirements for Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications and processing procedures. Additionally, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) published interim guidelines on PEZA visa applications during the transition to centralized AEP processing.

Key takeaways:

AEP filing procedure update

Effective Sept. 3, 2026, DOLE will require all AEP applications, including new, renewal, exemption and exclusion requests, to be submitted through the department’s centralized online filing portals. DOLE will no longer accept AEP applications submitted by email, hard copy or walk-ins.

Additionally, under DOLE’s new zero-contact policy:

• Application inquiries, status requests and clarification requests must be submitted through designated communication channels.
• Access to DOLE offices generally will be limited to applicants scheduled for card release or instructed to submit additional documentation.
• An assigned officer will remain available to address immediate concerns on-site.

PEZA visa processing guidelines

Effective Aug. 26, 2026, PEZA will process PEZA visa applications, including new and renewal filings, even if the applicant’s AEP remains pending with DOLE.

PEZA-registered employers may submit alternative evidence of an AEP filing, including:

• Proof of payment or official receipt
• A DOLE order of payment
• Proof of AEP filing through official DOLE channels
• A DOLE certification confirming the filing

Employers must submit a certified copy of the AEP card to PEZA and the Bureau of Immigration once the permit is issued. The interim policy will remain in effect until further notice or until superseded by subsequent guidelines.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.