PEZA, DOLE Sign Deal to Streamline Visa Processing

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) on December 16 to streamline the issuance of Alien Employment Permits (AEP) and PEZA Visas, enhancing ease of doing business in the country.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma spearheaded the signing, which aims to integrate the functions of both agencies for faster and more secure information exchange.

The AEP, a requirement for foreign nationals seeking employment in PEZA economic zones, is now set to be issued under a streamlined framework enabled by this agreement.

“By aligning processes and policies, we are fostering a faster, more transparent, and service-oriented environment, while safeguarding the rights of Filipino workers,” said Panga.

Laguesma highlighted the agreement’s broader implications, stating, “This agreement strengthens employment verification measures in PEZA ecozones, ensuring accountability and security while addressing the operational needs of both agencies.”

The DSA also supports DOLE’s mandate to oversee foreign employment through understudy training programs, ensuring knowledge and skills transfer to Filipino workers in specialized fields.

“This complements the goals of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan (PLEP) 2023–2028 by enhancing data integration, optimizing resources, and ensuring labor market programs meet the needs of investors, locators, and Filipino workers,” Panga added.