WORK PERMIT
Philippine Labour Law requires a working permit known as the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) for every foreign national employed in the Philippines. An application for this is normally filed by the Philippine employer on behalf of the foreign employee and once approved, is generally co-terminus with the term of employment. Under current practice, six months is the minimum validity period, and two years is the maximum. The application is to be filed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
BUSINESS TRIP
Permissible as long as the foreign national has a valid business visa upon entry and an outbound trip ticket. This is generally for the purpose of holding preliminary meetings or surveys, negotiating contracts or attending conferences. Once work starts, a work permit and a visa are required.
TIMING
For a work permit, two to three weeks from submission of the complete documents. As to the work visa, approximately six to eight weeks from the date of filing.
