DOLE centralizes alien work permit processing

​THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that the processing of Alien Employment Permits (AEP) will no longer be handled by its regional offices but will be exclusively done in its central office. ​The directive was issued by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino through Administrative Order 199, Series of 2026. It took effect on June 9. ​The policy seeks to strengthen administrative oversight and enhance compliance with labor laws governing the employment of foreign nationals in the coun