There are numerous employment opportunities available in the Philippines for individuals from other countries who are seeking employment that requires specific talents. It is crucial to be aware of the necessary permits and visas in order to secure employment. The Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is a critical document that facilitates the legal employment of foreign nationals in the Philippines.
This guide provides comprehensive information on skill shortage jobs in the Philippines, including the current skill shortage list, the benefits, the eligibility requirements, the methods for locating AEP-sponsored jobs, the distinctions between AEP, 9(g) work visa, and Special Work Permit (SWP), and the locations where one can locate jobs that offer work visa and AEP.
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List of Philippines Alien Employment Permit (AEP) Jobs For Foreigners:
The Philippines is currently grappling with substantial skill deficiencies in a variety of sectors, for which you may be eligible to apply for a 9G work visa and an alien work permit. The following are a few of the most in-demand areas:
- Construction: The Philippines’ construction industry requires a significant number of skilled laborers, particularly in the fields of plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, and masonry. These professions are insufficiently staffed due to the rapid expansion of cities and the abundance of ongoing infrastructure projects.
- Technology: The Philippines’ technology sector is expanding rapidly; however, it is difficult to recruit qualified personnel. Individuals who possess the ability to develop software, analyze data, assist with cybersecurity, manage networks, and provide IT support and maintenance services are in high demand. The pace of technological advancement is so rapid that there is an insufficient number of individuals who are adequately trained to remain informed about it. This exacerbates the shortage.
- Healthcare: This sector is understaffed with physicians, nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, and healthcare assistants. This scarcity is exacerbated in rural areas, where access to health care is more challenging. The demand for healthcare professionals is on the rise due to the expanding population.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is currently experiencing a shortage of competent workers and engineers, particularly in the civil, electrical, and mechanical sectors. Additionally, there is a significant demand for individuals who are proficient in both quality control and machine operation. These constraints have been exacerbated by the development of new technologies and the expansion of manufacturing.
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): The Philippine economy is significantly impacted by the shortage of finance and accounting professionals, technical support specialists, data entry clerks, and customer service representatives in the BPO industry. These positions have consistently been in high demand due to the BPO industry’s swift expansion.
- In education: There is a shortage of educators in specific fields, including special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and English language instruction. The demand for qualified instructors is on the rise as the importance of quality education increases and the number of children increases.
- Tourism and Hospitality: The tourism and hospitality industry is in dire need of experienced professionals, including hotel and resort managers, chefs and culinary experts, tour guides, and travel agents. These roles have been in high demand due to the Philippines’ status as a popular tourist destination.
- Finance: The money industry is insufficiently staffed with accountants, auditors, financial specialists, and compliance officers. These professionals are in greater demand due to the increasing complexity of financial regulations and the expansion of the financial industry.
What is an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines issues alien employment permits (AEPs). It is not a legitimate work visa in its own right; however, it is a prerequisite for obtaining the 9(g) work visa. The AEP certifies that the hiring of a foreigner will not have a detrimental effect on local workers, as there is a scarcity of qualified individuals in the local job market.
Benefits of AEP:
- Legal Work Authorization: An AEP enables foreign nationals to work legally in the Philippines, thereby guaranteeing adherence to local labor laws.
- Employment Security: The necessity of foreign expertise in the employment market, which safeguards both local and foreign workers.
- Pathway to 9(g) Visa: The 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa, which is essential for long-term employment in the Philippines, is obtained through an AEP.
Key Points about AEP:
- Requirement: Generally required for foreign nationals who wish to labor in the Philippines.
- Exemptions: Certain categories, including diplomats and permanent residents, are exempt from the requirement for an AEP.
- Validity: An AEP is typically valid for a maximum of three years, is by the employment contract, and is renewable for an additional three years.
- Application Process: The employer applies an AEP to the Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Eligibility for AEP:
To qualify for an AEP, applicants must:
- Passport Validity: The passport must be effective for a minimum of six months.
- Possess a valid visa: This visa is typically a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa.
- Employment Contract: Have a genuine employment contract with a company that is registered in the Philippines.
- No Criminal Record: Possess no criminal record in either the Philippines or their country of origin.
- Health Clearance: Submit a health clearance certificate from a clinic that is accredited by the Bureau of Quarantine.
Differences Between AEP, 9(g) Work Visa, and SWP
Both foreign laborers and their employers must be aware of the distinctions between the AEP, the 9(g) work visa, and the SWP.
1# Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
- Purpose: Certifies eligibility to work in the Philippines.
- Validity: 1-3 years.
- Requirement: Prerequisite for work visas.
- Issuing Agency: DOLE.
2# 9(g) Work Visa
- Purpose: Allows foreign nationals to stay and work in the Philippines.
- Validity: 1-3 years, renewable.
- Requirement: Requires an approved AEP.
- Issuing Agency: Bureau of Immigration.
3# Special Work Permit (SWP)
- Purpose: For short-term, project-based employment.
- Validity: Up to 6 months.
- Requirement: Strict requirements, an employer must prove the non-availability of local workers.
- Issuing Agency: DOLE.
Difference Between AEP VS 9G Work VISA VS SWP
| FEATURES | AEP | 9(G) WORK VISA | SWP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Work Permit | Visa | Work Permit |
| Issuing Agency | DOLE | Bureau of Immigration | DOLE |
| Purpose | Certifies eligibility | Allows stay and work | Short-term employment |
| Validity | 1-3 years | 1-3 years | Up to 6 months |
| Requirement | Prerequisite for visas | Requires AEP | Stricter requirements |
Where to Find AEP-Sponsored Jobs in the Philippines?
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- JobStreet Philippines
- Indeed Philippines
- Kalibrr
- Manpower Philippines
- Public Employment Service Office (PESO)
- WorkAbroad.ph, work abroad.ph
- Prime Manpower
- Reedley Central Management (RCM)
- Accenture Philippines
- Ayala Corporation
- Procter & Gamble Philippines
- Teleperformance Philippines
- Shell Philippines
Philippines Recruitment Agencies That Hire Foreignes Workers
Gulf Overseas Technical Services Inc.
- Concentrates on the provision of labor to a variety of industries, such as healthcare, engineering, and construction.
- Website: gulfmanpower.com
EYEQUEST International Manpower Services Inc.
- Concentrates on technical professions, hospitality, and healthcare.
- Website: eyequestintmanpower.com
IPAMS (Industrial Personnel and Management Services, Inc.)
- Provides a comprehensive selection of recruitment services that apply to a variety of industries.
- Website: ipams.com
Omanfil International Manpower Development Corporation
- Recognized for its ability to recruit personnel for the Middle East and other nations.
- Website: omanfil.com
Uniplan Overseas Employment Inc.
- Offers recruitment services for a variety of industries, such as healthcare, engineering, and hospitality.
- Website: uniplan.com.ph
Jedegal International Manpower Services, Inc.
- Concentrates on technical, hospitality, and healthcare placements.
- Website: jedegal.com.ph
Staff house International Resources
- Concentrates on the provision of professional, technical, and specialized labor to a variety of international markets.
- Website: staffhouse.com
Magsaysay Global Services, Inc.
- Recruits for the maritime, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.
- Website: magsaysaycareers.com
Conclusion:
In the Philippines, foreign workers have the opportunity to secure employment in a variety of sectors where there is a shortage of local talent with the necessary qualifications, including finance, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and construction.
To engage in legal employment, it is necessary to be aware of the procedures for obtaining a Special Work Permit (SWP), a 9(g) work visa, or an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). If foreign workers are aware of the process for obtaining these permits and are actively seeking employment in high-demand sectors, they may have favorable job prospects in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the requirements for AEP Philippines?
Complete the AEP Application Form, which you can get from DOLE’s website or local offices. You must provide a copy of the employment contract or appointment letter that details the position, salary, and benefits. Photocopy the foreign national’s passport and visa. The foreign worker should provide two recent, colored ID photos.
Can I get a job in the Philippines as a foreigner?
The alien employment permit is just one of the requirements for obtaining a work visa from the Bureau of Immigration. As per the law, all foreign nationals who want to engage in employment in the Philippines must obtain it. There are, of course, some exemptions and exclusions (diplomats, consultants, etc.).
What is the purpose of an alien employment permit?
Alien Employment Permit (AEP): All foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines must obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). It is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and ensures that the employment of foreign nationals will not pose a threat to the job opportunities of local workers.
