The Department of Labor and Employment has centralized the processing of Alien Employment Permit applications under the Bureau of Local Employment. DOLE’s official 2026 information campaign identifies Administrative Order No. 199 and related departmental guidance as the basis for transferring AEP functions from the regional offices to the central system.

The centralized framework covers filing, processing, evaluation, approval, issuance, adjudication, and enforcement of AEP applications, including applications for certificates of exemption or exclusion. Employers that previously dealt principally with a regional office should verify the current filing channel, documentary procedure, and payment mechanism before submitting an application.

An AEP is an employment authorization administered by DOLE. A 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa is an immigration status separately evaluated by the Bureau of Immigration. Although the applications are connected in practice, approval by one agency should not be represented as automatic approval by the other.

Employers should review the proposed position, employment contract, publication and labour-market requirements, the foreign national’s qualifications, corporate records, and any professional licence before filing. Information submitted to DOLE and the Bureau of Immigration should be consistent. A change in employer, position, location, or terms may require a fresh filing or another regulatory step.

DOLE’s Central Luzon office discusses the reform in its report on the One AEP Townhall and centralized processing. Foreign nationals should not commence work until the required authority is in place. For assistance with employment and immigration compliance, contact Cedeño Law Office. This article provides general information and is not individualized legal advice.