DOLE pushing for new law on hiring of foreign workers

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MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is aggressively pushing for a new law on the hiring of foreign workers in the Philippines.

The Labor Department is proposing to a measure to Congress to amend the existing provision in the Labor Code.

According to Labor Undersecretary Rebecca Chato, this move aims to state the penalties for those who will violate the rules regarding hiring of foreign workers.

The bill is one of the five proposed measures that the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) has approved for endorsement to Congress.

DOLE created the Skills Occupational Storage List in a move to allow the entry of skilled workers in the Philippines.

Workers from other countries who would like to work in the Philippines are required by DOLE to get an alien employment permit (AEP).

Those who failed to show their AEP will be penalized P10,000 for every year of illegal work.

For Labor officials, the law amendment aims to pave the way for free movement of professionals and other workers in 10 ASEAN countries which include the Philippines.