DOLE, BI expand information exchange on employment of foreign nationals

(Lowest row, from left to right) BI Data Protection Officer Vicente G. Uncad, Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Añover shows the signed Data Sharing Agreement between the DOLE and BI to expand information sharing on foreign nationals. Respective Senior Officials of the DOLE and BI served as witnesses during the signing.

The DOLE and Bureau of Immigration (BI) signed a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) during a Ceremonial Signing at the DOLE Executive Building, Intramuros, Manila on 26 February 2024 to expand the information exchange pertaining to foreign nationals issued with Alien Employment Permit (AEP). The AEP issued by DOLE is a prerequisite in the application of a Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G) issued by the BI.

Under the terms of the agreement, both agencies will share relevant data and information in the processing of AEP and 9G visa, thereby streamlining operations and eliminating duplication of documentary requirements.

“Eventually, manual verification will be a thing of the past, and the Alien Employment Permit Management System (AEPMS) of DOLE and the BI’s system through the Application Programming Interface (API) will expand the exchange of information and streamline the verification process of both agencies.” Secretary Laguesma said during the signing of the DSA.

One of the priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. under his administration is to ensure that transactions in the government shall be digitalized for ease of doing business. With this, clients and stakeholders’ expectation for better and quality services is now achievable, the Secretary added.

For his part, BI Commissioner Tansingco expressed appreciation for the partnership and cooperation of the DOLE in this crucial and significant undertaking. He also added that the BI shall now be able to streamline its process where the documents required by the DOLE shall now be dispensed with by the Bureau in view of the DSA. In addition, he likewise shared that foreign nationals will be able to apply for 9(g) visas online starting 3rd Quarter of this year.

Under the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028, the DOLE shall strengthen the implementation of a responsive regulation of recruitment, placement, and related activities including employment of foreign nationals.