To increase awareness on Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI Department Order No. 186-17 or the Revised Rules for Issuance of Employment Permits to Foreign Nationals, DOLE XI together with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) has organized and conducted an orientation for concerned agencies and stakeholders last February 27 and 28, 2018 at Ritz Hotel and Garden Oases.

The orientation was graced by DOLE XI Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante wherein he emphasized the importance of conducting the event which serves as an advocacy campaign of the region to equip and update companies.

“This is also in response with our commitment for the prevention of terrorism,” RD Agravante added

Salient features of DO 186-17 were discussed by representatives from BLE Ms. Geraldine B. Labayani and Ms. Cheryl B. Lacerna.

Under the Department Order No. 186 signed by Labor & Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III signed on November 16, 2017, foreign nationals who are excluded from securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) shall obtain a Certificate of Exclusion from their respective DOLE XI Regional Offices.

Foreign nationals who are excluded from securing AEP are members of the governing board who has voting rights only and do not intervene in the management of the corporation or in the day to day operation of the enterprise; President and Treasurer, who are part-owners of the company; those providing consultancy services who do not have employers in the Philippines; and intra corporate transferee who is a manager, executive, or specialist; employee of Foreign Service supplier with at least one year continuous employment prior to deployment to a branch, subsidiary, affiliate or representative office in the Philippines.

Another salient feature of the DO is that the Regional Director may now deny AEP applications or renewal if it falls under the grounds presented in the revised order.

Grounds for denial of application include: submission of falsified documents; grave misconduct in dealing with or ill treatment of workers; worked without AEP for more than a year; renewal application with expired visa or temporary visitor’s visa.

First day of the orientation were participated by selected National Government Agencies and Offices while the second day were participated by different companies in the region.

Moreover, program interventions for foreign nationals and Filipino workforce were also discussed during the program from speakers coming from the Department of Trade and Industry, Professional Regulation Commission, and Bureau of Immigration.#