The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2026-052 dated 26 August 2026, setting interim guidelines for PEZA Visa (PV) applications while Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications are still being processed under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) centralized AEP processing transition.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The interim guidelines may help reduce work authorization disruption for foreign nationals employed by PEZA registered business enterprises (RBEs) by permitting PV applications to proceed while the related AEP application is pending. Employers and mobility teams may nevertheless need to track pending AEP applications, monitor PV expiry dates, and help maintain timely submission of the follow-up documentation once the AEP card has been issued.
Key Highlights
- PV applications may proceed while AEPs are pending: PEZA will process PV applications, including new and renewal applications, while the foreign national’s AEP application is still in process.
- Alternative documents may be submitted in lieu of the AEP card: RBEs may submit any of the following: proof of payment or official receipt issued by DOLE; an order of payment issued by DOLE; proof of AEP filing, whether manual or online through official DOLE channels, including the DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment official email address or prescribed DOLE Google Form; or a DOLE certification of AEP filing.
- AEP card submission remains required after release: Once the AEP card is released, RBEs are required to submit a certified true copy (CTC) of the AEP card promptly to PEZA-FIU and the BI-PEZA Extension Office.
- Other PEZA-BI requirements remain unchanged: The circular states that all other documentary and substantive requirements under the PEZA-BI Memorandum of Agreement, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and other applicable PEZA issuances not affected by the circular remain in full force and effect.
- Renewals to be filed before PV expiry: PEZA reminds RBEs to renew PVs before expiration to avoid adverse consequences.
- Interim nature of the measure: The guidelines remain effective until further notice or until superseded by a subsequent PEZA issuance.
KPMG INSIGHTS
During the transition to centralized AEP processing, PEZA-registered employers and their mobility teams might wish to consider:
- Organizations could review current PV application and renewal cases involving pending AEPs and identify whether one of the acceptable substitute documents is available.
- PEZA-registered employers could maintain a tracker for pending AEP applications, including the substitute document submitted with each PV application, the AEP card release date, and the date the CTC is submitted to PEZA-FIU and the BI-PEZA Extension Office.
- RBEs could review PV expiry dates and initiate renewals in advance, consistent with PEZA’s reminder to renew before expiry.
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 Republic of the Philippines, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, “M.C.-No.-2026-052-Interim-Guidelines-on-PEZA-Visa-Applications-to-Alien-Employment-Permit-AEP,” published on 26 August 2026.
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