If you are a foreign national working in the Philippines, or a business that hires one, September 2026 has brought two clear messages from government. First, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is actively arresting foreigners found working or doing business without the proper visa. Second, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has changed how Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) are filed.
The safest approach is simple: get the right documents before you start work. Here is what happened and what to do.
What the BI Did This Month
Two Japanese nationals arrested in Cavite
On 10 September 2026, BI Intelligence Division operatives arrested two Japanese nationals at a business park in Carmona, Cavite. According to the BI, the two were “found working at a business establishment without the required work permits and appropriate visas.” After inquest proceedings before BI lawyers, both were brought to the BI Warden’s Facility in Bicutan, Taguig, pending deportation proceedings.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said: “Foreign nationals who wish to work in the Philippines must secure the proper work permit and visa before engaging in any employment.” He also called on establishments that employ foreign nationals to make sure their workers have valid and appropriate immigration documents, warning that violators will be held accountable.
Business without the right visa, and an unreported change of address
In separate operations on 7 September, the BI arrested four foreign nationals in Rizal, Quezon City and Mandaluyong. One of them was apprehended for allegedly “engaging in gainful business without the appropriate visa.” He was also cited for alleged fraud and misrepresentation in a previous work visa, undesirability, and failure to notify the BI of his change of residence. All four were placed in BI custody pending deportation.
Commissioner Viado summed up the BI’s position: “Foreign nationals are welcome to stay and do legitimate business in the Philippines, but they must respect and comply with our immigration laws.”
The lesson: a tourist visa, a cancelled visa, or a visa obtained for a different purpose does not allow you to work. Even small details, such as keeping the BI informed of where you live, can become part of a case against you.
The New AEP Filing Rules: Online Only
The AEP is issued by DOLE and is generally needed by foreign nationals who will be employed in the Philippines. It is also typically a building block of a 9(g) working visa application.
Here is what changed:
- Effective 3 September 2026, all AEP applications (new, renewal, exemption and exclusion) must be submitted through DOLE’s official online portal, handled by the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE).
- Applications sent by email, in hard copy, or by walk-in are no longer accepted. Only complete applications with fully accomplished forms and complete documents will be processed.
- Requests for cancellation, reprinting or accreditation are still made by email to aep_applications@ble.dole.gov.ph.
- Under a zero-contact policy, questions and status follow-ups go to aep@ble.dole.gov.ph. Office entry is generally limited to those scheduled for card release or asked to submit additional documents.
This forms part of DOLE’s transition to centralised AEP processing. For PEZA-registered employers, PEZA issued interim guidelines: effective 26 August 2026, PEZA will process new and renewal PEZA visa applications even while the applicant’s AEP is still pending with DOLE, provided the employer submits proof of the AEP filing (such as an official receipt, a DOLE order of payment, or a DOLE certification). Once the AEP is issued, a certified copy must be submitted to PEZA and the BI.
What this means for Cebu employers: your AEP applications are now filed online, not walked in or emailed. Incomplete submissions may simply not move forward, so getting the documents right the first time matters more than ever.
Which Work Authority Do You Need?
The most common routes are:
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
For foreign nationals hired by a Philippine-based employer for longer-term employment. The employer petitions for the visa, and an AEP is usually required. Learn more about our Working Visa (9g) service.
Special Work Permit (SWP)
For short-term or project-based work in the Philippines. If you are coming in for a limited engagement, ask whether an SWP is the right fit. See our Special Work Permit (SWP) service.
Investor and resident visas
Foreigners who invest in or run their own business should look at the correct investor or resident visa, not a tourist visa. Being a shareholder or director does not by itself authorise you to work.
A Quick Compliance Checklist
For foreign nationals – Do not start work, even “trial” or unpaid work, until your visa and permits are issued. – Tell the BI when you change your residence. – Renew or extend before expiry, never after.
For employers – Check every foreign hire’s visa and AEP before day one. – File AEP applications only through the official DOLE online portal. – Keep a calendar of permit and visa expiry dates. – Remember the BI’s warning: establishments can also be held accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in the Philippines on a tourist visa?
No. The BI has stressed that foreign nationals must secure the proper work permit and visa before engaging in any employment. Working on a tourist visa can lead to arrest and deportation proceedings.
How do I apply for an Alien Employment Permit now?
Since 3 September 2026, new, renewal, exemption and exclusion AEP applications must be filed through DOLE’s official online portal. Email, paper and walk-in applications are no longer accepted.
My company is PEZA-registered. Do we have to wait for the AEP before filing the PEZA visa?
Under PEZA’s interim guidelines effective 26 August 2026, PEZA will process PEZA visa applications even if the AEP is still pending, as long as you submit proof of the AEP filing. A certified copy of the AEP card must be submitted to PEZA and the BI once issued.
Do I need to tell the BI if I move to a new address?
Yes, you should keep the BI informed. In a September 2026 case, the BI cited a foreign national for failing to notify it of his change of residence, alongside other violations.
Be Sure with Bizzure
Our legal team handles work visas, AEPs, SWPs and other immigration requirements from assessment to filing. We explain what you need, prepare and check your documents, and follow up with the agencies. We cannot promise approval or timelines, as these rest with the government agencies, but we will keep you informed at every step. Consultation is free, and fees are quoted per client.
Book a free consultation · WhatsApp/Viber +63 946 341 4836 · info@bizzurevisa.com
Sources
- Bureau of Immigration, “BI busts 2 Japanese nationals working illegally in Cavite”: https://immigration.gov.ph/bi-busts-2-japanese-nationals-working-illegally-in-cavite/
- Bureau of Immigration, “BI nabs 4 foreigners in 3 separate operations”: https://immigration.gov.ph/bi-nabs-4-foreigners-in-3-separate-operations/
- Bureau of Immigration press releases: https://immigration.gov.ph/category/press-release/
- Erickson Immigration Group, “Philippines Moves Alien Employment Permit Applications Fully Online” (4 Sep 2026): https://eiglaw.com/philippines-moves-alien-employment-permit-applications-fully-online/
- BAL, “Philippines | Alien Employment Permit online filing launches Sept. 3” (3 Sep 2026): https://www.bal.com/immigration-news/philippines-alien-employment-permit-online-filing-launches-sept-3-interim-peza-visa-processing-guidelines/
- DOLE BLE Electronic Registration System: https://ers.ble.dole.gov.ph/
Last reviewed: 27 September 2026
This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees are set by government agencies and may change without notice.
