Philippines regulates entry of foreign workers

MANILA, Philippines — Due to security threats, the government is imposing additional requirement on foreigners intending to work in the country, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said over the weekend.

A foreigner wanting to work in the country is now required to secure a certificate of no objection (CNO) from the DOLE, according to Dominique Tutay, Bureau of Local Employment  director.

Tutay said it was President Duterte who ordered the inclusion of the new requirement as part of the efforts to address terror threats.

Duterte earlier said the country is constantly at risk of being infiltrated by individuals with hostile intentions.

Prior to the issuance of working permits, foreign workers should secure from the DOLE the no objection certificate, aside from other requirements.      

“Except for the Department of Justice, all government agencies issuing work-related permits and visas, should require a certificate of no objection issued by the DOLE,” Tutay said.

She said the issuance of a CNO to a foreign worker does not mean automatic approval of his applications for work-related permits.

A recently signed memorandum circular mandated the creation of a technical working group composed of different government agencies, including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

The group will develop a database of all foreign nationals employed in the country. Pending the completion of the database, the agencies should submit to DOLE a monthly report for consolidation.