The Philippines has two main groups in its work and immigration rules. One group is Filipino workers who go abroad. They are called Overseas Filipino Workers or OFW. The other group is foreign people who come to work in the Philippines. Or foreign companies that want to hire Filipino people. If you are a foreign person who wants to work in Manila, you must follow the law. If you are a company from another country that wants to hire good Filipino workers, you must follow the law too.
This guide is simple. It explains the steps. The main offices are DMW (Department of Migrant Workers, old name POEA), DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), and Bureau of Immigration or BI. We talk about the 9(g) Visa and Alien Employment Permit or AEP. We make it easy to understand.
Navigating Overseas Hiring: Focus on the OFW System
The Philippines protects its workers a lot. This is one of the best in the world. If you are a foreign boss who wants to hire Filipinos, you need to know the OFW rules.
The DMW (Formerly POEA) Mandate
DMW is the main office for jobs outside the Philippines. It was called POEA before.
- Goal: Keep Filipino workers safe. Make sure they get good pay and help when abroad.
- Must Do: Foreign bosses must use a good Licensed Recruitment Agency in Philippines. Or use the DMW Direct Hiring way.
- Check: Bosses need official approval from DMW. All work contracts must meet DMW rules. This is for different jobs like health care, ships, or building work.
The DMW watches everything. It stops bad hiring. It makes sure bosses follow the Manpower Supply Agreement. This is a paper that says what the job is, pay, and help for workers.
Protecting Filipino Migrant Workers
DMW helps stop illegal recruitment. It makes sure foreign bosses treat workers right.
- Balik Manggagawa: This is an online tool. Old OFW workers use it to get their Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC. They check their job before going back abroad. It is fast and easy.
- Agency Rules: Good recruitment agencies must put money in an Escrow Account. This money pays if something goes wrong with the worker’s contract.
Many Filipinos work abroad. They send money home. This helps the country. But safety comes first. DMW checks every step. If you hire direct, you still need DMW okay. Agencies help with papers. They know the rules. Bad agencies can get in trouble. Workers get training too. Like how to stay safe in new country.
Working in the Philippines: The AEP and 9(g) Visa for Foreign Nationals
Foreign people need two main papers to work in Philippines. First is Alien Employment Permit or AEP. Second is 9(g) Visa. This is the work visa.
The Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
AEP is the permit to work. Get this first. Then apply for 9(g) Visa.
- Office: DOLE gives it. Go to DOLE office in your area.
- Check: DOLE looks if a Filipino can do the job. They ask around. If no Filipino wants or can do it, then okay for foreign person. This is called labor market test. It protects local jobs.
The AEP shows the job is special. Maybe high skill or new tech. Company must prove why they need foreign worker. Papers like job ad proof are needed. DOLE can say no if many Filipinos apply.
The 9(g) Visa (Pre-Arranged Employee Commercial)
9(g) Visa is for work more than six months. It is the main Philippines Work Visa for business jobs.
- Office: Bureau of Immigration or BI gives it.
- Need First: Show valid AEP from DOLE.
- Wait Time: It takes 2 to 3 months. While waiting, BI can give Provisional Work Permit or PWP. This lets you start work right away.
- Easy Way: Some companies are in PEZA or BOI. These are special zones. They can get 47(a)(2) Visa fast for bosses.
The 9(g) Visa can last one or two years. You can renew it. Stay legal. Do not overstay.
Documentation and Compliance Essentials
You need many papers. Follow rules all the time.
- Police Paper: Get Police Clearance from your home country. After coming to Philippines, get NBI Clearance from local office.
- Tax Number: Every foreign worker needs Tax Identification Number or TIN. Use it to pay tax on money earned.
- Yearly Report: All people with non-immigrant visa like 9(g) must go to BI. Do this in first 60 days of new year. It is called BI Annual Report.
Other papers: Medical check, company letters, passport copies. Keep files neat. Company usually helps with this. If papers wrong, application stops. Pay fees on time. BI and DOLE have online portals now. Check status there.
Financial and Labor Rights (Philippine Labor Code)
All workers in Philippines have rights. Local or foreign. The Philippine Labor Code protects everyone.
Non-Negotiable Benefits
Boss must give these. No choice. Even for foreign workers.
- 13th Month Pay: This is extra pay. It is one month salary divided by 12. Give what worker earned in year. Pay by December 24. If not, DOLE can fine boss hard. It is not a gift. It is law.
- SSS and Others: Foreign workers on 9(g) Visa must join SSS if they qualify. Also PhilHealth for health and Pag-IBIG for house loan. Boss pays part. Worker pays part.
- Minimum Wage: Pay at least the wage set by DOLE for your area. Different in cities or provinces.
Workers get holiday pay, sick leave, overtime. Contract must say all this. DOLE checks companies. If bad, they close or fine.
Family and Costs
- Family Visa: 9(g) Visa holder can bring wife or husband and kids under 21. They get Dependent Visa. Same time as main visa. Good for family to stay together.
- Money: Pay for Visa Fees and AEP Fees. Boss usually pays this. It is part of job offer. Save for medical, travel too.
Health insurance is must. PhilHealth covers hospital. Private one is good extra. Housing help from Pag-IBIG. Tax on income. File every year. BIR office helps.
Call to Action (CTA)
Are you a foreign person getting 9(g) Visa? Or a boss making Manpower Supply Agreement? Make sure all papers are right. No delay! Share this guide. Help friends know AEP and 9(g) Visa difference.
Disclaimer:
This article is to teach and give info only. It uses public rules from DMW (old POEA), BI, and DOLE as of late 2025. Check official websites or talk to lawyer before you do anything. Rules can change.