Issuance of alien job permits suspended in Boracay

The issuance of alien employment permits (AEPs) to foreign nationals in Boracay Island has been temporarily suspended, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a labor advisory that the temporary suspension will cover foreign nationals who intend to engage in gainful employment in the island of Boracay.

Also covered are those with valid AEPs who intend to renew their employment permits.

However, Bello clarified that foreign nationals who have been commissioned or authorized by the Boracay InterAgency Task Force to work and stay in the island, are exempted from the temporary suspension.

“Specifically, this includes foreign nationals who come to Boracay to conduct research studies or undertake work related to the island’s rehabilitation,” he said in a statement.

Also exempted from the temporary suspension are permanent residentforeign nationals and probationary or temporary resident visa holders.

“All foreign nationals who are exempted from securing an AEP, as enumerated under Section 3 of DOLE Department Order No. 186, Series of 2017 or the Revised Rules for the Issuance of Employment Permits to Foreign Nationals are likewise exempted from the suspension,” said Bello.

DOLE said the labor advisory, which was signed on June 26, will remain in effect until the temporary closure of the Boracay Island has been lifted.

It was back in April when President Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay for six months after he described the area as a “cesspool.”