The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued Department Order No. 248-B, Series of 2026 (the “Order”), centralizing all functions relating to Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) under the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE). This Order amends provisions of prior Department Orders 248 and 248-A, Series of 2025, and takes effect immediately upon issuance.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
Centralizing AEP functions under the BLE is intended to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of foreign national employment in the Philippines. For global mobility stakeholders, including HR leaders, payroll managers, and globally mobile employees, this change may streamline compliance processes, reduce regional inconsistencies, and improve regulatory oversight. The transition is expected to safeguard sensitive personal information and help maintain uniform application of laws and standards, potentially affecting operational procedures, risk management, and administrative costs for organizations employing foreign nationals.
Key Highlights
- Centralization of AEP functions: All processes, including receipt, evaluation, approval, issuance, release, adjudication, enforcement, cancellation, revocation, renewal, and administration of AEPs, are now under the BLE.
- Transition and amendments: Provisions referencing Regional Offices or Directors are replaced with the BLE and its Director. Specific rules and sections in prior orders are amended accordingly.
- Motion for reconsideration: Motions related to cancellation or revocation of AEPs are required to be filed with the Director of DOLE Legal Service within ten calendar days; orders are immediately executory upon denial.
- Inventory and turnover: Regional Offices are required to submit inventories of approved, pending, and unacted applications within 72 hours of effectivity, accompanied by sworn certifications, and transfer all records to the BLE.
- Supplemental guidelines: The BLE is authorized to issue operational procedures and protocols to facilitate the transition.
- Support and funding: All DOLE bureaus and agencies are required to support the BLE, and funding is expected to come from existing and future appropriations.
- Effectivity and repeal: The Order is effective immediately and repeals inconsistent prior guidelines and orders.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organizations may wish to review their current processes for AEP applications and check alignment with the new centralized procedures. Also, employers could prepare for the transition by updating internal protocols, monitoring supplemental guidelines issued by the BLE, and helping maintain timely submission of required inventories and records.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified professional or a member of the GMS team with KPMG in the Philippines (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Department of Labor and Employment, “Department order no. 248-B,” published on 11 June 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Philippines.
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