Government eyes limit to issuance of special work permit amid Chinese influx

MANILA, Philippines — The government intends to implement a new policy restricting entry of foreign workers amid a controversy over the rising number of Chinese nationals employed in the country.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Justice are discussing measures to limit the number of foreign workers in the country.

“We will look at the possibility of either minimizing or completely withdrawing the authorization given to Bureau of Immigration (BI) to issue special working permit,” Bello said.

In 2005, then DOLE secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas authorized the BI to issue special working permits for foreign nationals who will work in the country for not more than six months.

Sto. Tomas granted the authorization to BI in a move to eliminate duplication of requirements in the issuance of work permits to foreigners.

Under the directive, only foreign nationals seeking employment in the country for more than six months shall secure Alien Employment Permits (AEP) with DOLE.

The special working permits shall be non-extendible since foreigners who will work longer than six months are required to apply for AEPs.

After issuance of AEP, foreign nationals shall apply for Working Visa with BI.

Dominique Tutay, DOLE Bureau of Local Employment director, said the government can minimize issuance of special working permit by limiting its issuance to certain categories of foreign workers.

Tutay said the government may also lessen the effectivity of the special working permit to less than six months.

Tutay previously reported that DOLE is also in the process of forming a special task force to check on the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).