The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) introduced major updates to its rules for issuing Alien Employment Permits (AEPs). These changes, outlined in Department Order No. 248, aim to streamline processes, attract investments, protect local labor, and encourage skill transfer to Filipino workers.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma signed the revised guidelines on January 20, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fair and efficient employment practices for foreign workers and their employers.

Key Changes in the AEP Guidelines
DOLE made several significant updates to improve the AEP process:
- Simplifying the Labor Market Test:
DOLE now requires employers to advertise job openings in only one newspaper of general circulation, simplifying the process to identify qualified Filipino candidates before hiring foreign nationals. - Integrating with PhilJobNet:
The department included PhilJobNet, the government’s job-matching portal, to post AEP-related updates and job openings. This move increases transparency and helps Filipino jobseekers stay informed. - Requiring Skills Transfer Programs:
Employers must now implement an Understudy Training Program and Skills Development Program to ensure Filipino workers gain expertise and knowledge from foreign employees. - Introducing the Economic Needs Test (ENT):
DOLE added the ENT to assess whether hiring a foreign worker is necessary. Employers must prove that no qualified Filipino workers are available for the position.
These updates focus on aligning foreign employment with national development goals while ensuring fair opportunities for Filipinos.
Balancing Local and Foreign Labor
The revised AEP rules aim to strike a balance between welcoming investments and protecting local labor.
“The revised AEP guidelines rationalize requirements and streamline the processing of employment permits for foreign nationals. These changes promote investments, protect local labor, and ensure Filipino workers receive valuable skills from foreign counterparts,” DOLE stated in a press release.
DOLE has issued 192,573 AEPs over the past three years. These updated rules aim to enhance oversight, ensuring foreign workers contribute to priority sectors and respect Filipino workers’ rights.
Cutting Red Tape
The new guidelines reduce bureaucratic hurdles and clarify requirements for employers and foreign workers. DOLE designed the changes to:
- Speed up the AEP application process.
- Ensure transparency in hiring foreign workers.
- Align foreign employment with the country’s development goals.
The government requires employers to prioritize hiring Filipino workers before considering foreign talent. This ensures that only critical gaps in expertise lead to hiring foreign nationals.
Focusing on Skills Transfer
DOLE’s Understudy Training Program and Skills Development Program ensure Filipino workers benefit from the presence of foreign employees. These programs encourage knowledge-sharing and improve the competitiveness of the local workforce.
By mandating skills transfer, DOLE ensures that employing foreign workers leaves a lasting, positive impact on Filipino employees and industries.
Applying the Economic Needs Test
The Economic Needs Test (ENT) assesses whether hiring a foreign worker is essential. Employers must show evidence of their efforts to hire Filipino workers and prove that no qualified candidates are available locally.
This measure guarantees that employers hire foreign nationals only when necessary, safeguarding opportunities for Filipinos while meeting labor market needs.
What Employers and Workers Should Know
DOLE’s updated guidelines simplify the AEP application process and emphasize compliance with new requirements. Employers must:
- Publish job openings in one newspaper and post them on PhilJobNet.
- Implement skills transfer programs to benefit Filipino workers.
- Justify the necessity of hiring foreign workers through the ENT.
These streamlined procedures and mandates ensure fair hiring practices and promote accountability in employing foreign workers.
DOLE’s Vision for the Future
DOLE’s updated AEP guidelines reflect its proactive approach to managing foreign employment. By promoting efficiency, skills transfer, and local labor protection, the department creates a labor market that supports both Filipino workers and foreign professionals.
DOLE plans to monitor and evaluate the impact of these changes, ensuring they align with national priorities. As these reforms take effect, the department expects more efficient processes, better skills development, and stronger collaboration between local and foreign workers.