Pursuant to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Administrative Order No. 199, Series of 2026, DOLE has issued Department Order No. 248-B. This directive mandates the complete centralization of all functions related to Alien Employment Permits (AEP).
The key operational changes and their immediate impact on your organization are detailed below:
1. Centralization of Authority to the BLE
All regulatory and administrative functions concerning AEPs have been transferred from local DOLE Regional Offices to the centralized DOLE Bureau of Local Employment (BLE). Moving forward, all institutional decisions and regulatory oversight will be managed directly by the Director of the BLE.
2. Status of Application Requirements
No Immediate Changes: DO 248-B does not alter the current documentary requirements for AEP applications. The foundational criteria previously established under Department Order Nos. 248 and 248-A remain fully intact.
Future Protocols: The new order grants the BLE explicit authority to issue supplemental guidelines and operational protocols in the future. Avenida Law is actively monitoring the transition for any forthcoming directives regarding updated submission channels or logistical workflows.
3. Restructured Appeals Process
The protocol for contesting a denied, cancelled, or revoked AEP has been modified:
- New Venue: Motions for Reconsideration must now be filed directly with the Director of the DOLE Legal Service.
- Strict Timeline: Appeals must be submitted within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of the denial or revocation order.
Avenida Law Takeaway: For ongoing and upcoming filings, our team is managing the logistical shift to ensure your applications transition smoothly to the BLE without operational delays.