DOLE wants law on hiring of foreign workers amended

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is pushing for a new law on the hiring of foreign workers in the country.

The DOLE is proposing to Congress a measure amending the existing provisions of the Labor Code on the employment of foreign nationals, Labor Undersecretary Rebecca Chato said yesterday.

She said the measure seeks to specify penalties for those who will violate the rules on hiring of foreign workers.

Under the proposal, Chato said employers who will engage the services of a foreigner without an employment permit will be penalized.

The bill governing the hiring of foreign workers is one of five proposed measures that the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) has approved for endorsement to Congress.

DOLE had drafted the Skills Occupational Shortage List to serve as basis for allowing the entry of skilled workers in the country.

Foreigners intending to work in the Philippines are required to secure from DOLE an alien employment permit (AEP).

Those without a valid AEP will be fined P10,000 for every year of illegal work in the country.

DOLE is proposing similar penalties for commercial firms or employers illegally employing foreign nationals.

Labor officials said there is a need to amend existing rules in preparation for the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic community in 2015, which is expected to pave the way for free movement of professionals and other workers in 10 ASEAN countries, including the Philippines.